By Everson Luhanga
Five armed men suspected to be zama zamas took advantage of a traffic jam during peak hour on the busy M1-M2 split at the Crown Interchange on Tuesday morning.
The men, armed with 9mm pistols, robbed many motorists of their belongings, causing panic.
A distressed motorist sent a voice note on a WhatsApp messaging group asking for help from authorities.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they were informed of the incident at the Crown interchange this morning when a group of armed men targeted motorists who were stuck in traffic.
“The JMPD Tactical Response Unit was deployed to the area. During the search, a group of individuals was observed fleeing into a shaft on the embankment of the freeway,” said Fihla.
He said it was believed that “the individuals responsible for robbing the motorists may be linked to illegal mining”.
“The police urge anyone affected by this incident to report it immediately and open a criminal case at the nearest police station,” said Fihla.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS had bolstered the deployment of the Highway Patrol, the SAPS Airwing and Gauteng Flying Squad units to monitor and conduct regular patrols along the routes.
“By this afternoon no cases had been reported. SAPS encourages anyone who has fallen victim to this alleged crime to call the Johannesburg Central Police Station commander.
“Engagements with the JMPD and other law enforcement agencies are ongoing to curb further incidents. SAPS tracking teams are on the ground searching for these suspects,” she said.
Pictured above: Road signs at the M1 double-decker section of Johannesburg’s inner city.
Image source: Supplied.
