Cops bust skelms in two Cape hijackings

THE Maitland Flying Squad recovered two hijacked vehicles in separate incidents over the weekend.

In the first instance, cops busted a gang in Khayelitsha following a chase on Friday afternoon.

According to information from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the squad received reports of a Nissan Qashqai that was hijacked in Paarl East, travelling towards Swartklip Road.

SAPS spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala reported: “At approximately 2pm, they spotted the silver Nissan Qashqai speeding off and pursued it.

“The suspects drove off the road, into an informal settlement with the Flying Squad on their tail.

“They then stopped and fled on foot, leaving the vehicle with their clothing items, cell phones and a .38 Special revolver in the driver’s door compartment. All these were booked in as exhibits, and investigation is ongoing.”

Cops busted three men on Saturday in Woodstock after they had allegedly shot the owner during the crime.

Gwala confirmed: “On Saturday, 31 January 2026, members of the Maitland Flying Squad responded to a complaint of a vehicle that was hijacked in Woodstock. The owner of the vehicle was shot during the hijacking.

“The members spotted the blue BMW in Parow Street, Maitland, behind a fuel station. They tactically advanced towards it, and inside were three male suspects.

“Upon realising that the police were closing in, the suspects got out of the vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest, but they were stopped in their tracks.

“The three males aged between 32 and 42 were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.”

Once charged, the suspects will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.