Police Officers Implicated in ‘Blue Light’ Heists across South Africa

Inside the ‘Blue Light’ Robbery Scandal Involving South African Police

​South African authorities have arrested four individuals, including two police officers, in connection with a series of ‘blue light’ robberies in Gauteng province. These crimes involve perpetrators using vehicles equipped with blue lights to impersonate law enforcement, thereby deceiving and hijacking unsuspecting motorists.

The arrests were made on March 20, 2025, following a coordinated operation by Gauteng SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Investigative Unit, Highway Patrol, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The investigation linked the suspects to two cases of truck hijackings and carjackings in Kempton Park. During the operation, authorities recovered three firearms and signal-jamming devices.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, condemned the involvement of police officers in such criminal activities, stating, “It is disheartening to see those who are expected to enforce and uphold the law being the ones who work together with the criminals to terrorise our communities.” He emphasized that these arrests should serve as a strong warning to any law enforcement officials engaged in criminal conduct.

The suspects are believed to have been part of a group that has been terrorizing motorists on Gauteng roads for the past three years. They allegedly disguised themselves as law enforcement officials conducting roadblocks on highways to hijack unsuspecting motorists.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to dismantle these ‘blue light’ robbery syndicates and address the issue of law enforcement officers collaborating with criminals.