JMPD’s newly deployed IOC Reaction Unit responds to inner city crimes on first day

Yesterday, 16 May 2019, a mere day after the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) IOC Reaction Unit was deployed to hotspots in the Joburg CBD, three separate crimes were already responded to.

The unit managed to apprehend a 21-year-old man who had nabbed a taxi passenger’s phone through the window. The suspect was detained at Hillbrow Police Station.

Unfortunately, in a separate incident, a JMPD officer was also injured by four suspects who opened fire at officers who approached them during patrol. The officer was taken to Milpark hospital for treatment and is thankfully stable.

Furthermore, at around 11:55, an incident of hijacking on the corner of True Road and Main Reef Road in Fordsburg was spotted via CCTV at the Integrated Intelligent Operation Centre (IOC). The officers from the IOC Reaction Unit was immediately despatched to the scene where they were confronted by three armed men, hijacking a female victim. The suspects opened fire at the JMPD, who retaliated. Unfortunately, the suspects managed to escape in a silver Mercedes Benz. Thankfully, the victim was able to drive away from the scene.

It is unfortunate that the suspects got away, however, the IOC Reaction Unit was successful in stopping a hijacking in progress. This is an important first test for the team both in terms of reaction time and effectiveness. I made it clear to the Unit that they should do everything in their means to ensure criminals are taken down. No criminal activity will be tolerated in Johannesburg.

JMPD are actively on the hunt for the suspects that got away and anyone with information relating to these incidents can call JMPD on 011 375 5911 to assist with the investigation. JMPD, and especially the IOC and the IOC Reaction Unit, will continue to serve our residents and ensure their safety. I applaud these brave men and women who risk their own safety in order to protect our residents.

For media queries:

Luyanda Longwe

Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Public Safety

luyandalo@joburg.org.za

061 496 0536