A 20-year-old suspect believed to be involved in the violent hijacking of an Uber driver, captured in a widely circulated video, has been arrested in Zola 3, Soweto, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed.
The JMPD Tactical Response Unit tracked down and apprehended the suspect on Tuesday following an intensive investigation triggered by the viral footage. The video, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, showed the driver being accosted and forcibly removed from his vehicle while assailants made off with the car.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, as he is expected to face charges of carjacking and assault. Police spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that the investigation remains active, with additional arrests possible as detectives work to identify other individuals seen in the distressing video.
“The swift arrest demonstrates the value of public cooperation and digital evidence in modern policing,” Fihla said. “We urge anyone with further information to come forward.”
The Uber driver, whose identity has been withheld for his safety, survived the ordeal but sustained minor injuries. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle used by the suspects during the hijacking has also been recovered by law enforcement.
Community members in Zola 3 expressed a mix of relief and concern following the arrest. Local ward councillor Thabo Mokoena described the incident as “deeply unsettling” and called for increased police visibility in the area.
Uber South Africa issued a statement condemning the attack and confirming its cooperation with authorities. “The safety of drivers who use our platform is our highest priority,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the rapid response by the JMPD and encourage riders and drivers to remain vigilant.”
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that had sparked widespread alarm among e-hailing drivers across Gauteng. Driver associations have repeatedly raised concerns over rising hijackings targeting app-based transport operators.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Soweto Magistrate’s Court later this week. Police have urged any witnesses or victims of similar incidents to contact the JMPD urgently.
