Caught by a tracker: Suspect arrested in Braamfontein drone sting - IOL

A suspect arrested in Braamfontein over allegedly fraudulently obtained drone equipment was also charged with contravening the Immigration Act.

A suspect has been arrested in Braamfontein after tracking devices hidden in boxes of drone equipment allegedly obtained using fraudulent proof of purchase led security officers to him.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said its Tactical Response Unit (TRU) officers were called by VumaCam to assist Axon Security officers at the intersection of Leyds and Simmonds streets.

The security officers had been tracking two boxes containing drone equipment after the owner allegedly fell victim to the same suspect for a second time.

“The owner had fitted a tracking device to the boxes after reportedly being targeted by the same suspect for the second time,” JMPD said.

Police said the earlier matter had been reported at Moot SAPS in Pretoria.

According to JMPD, information from the tracking device led security officers to the Power House in Braamfontein.

Security officers allegedly watched as a vehicle arrived to collect the parcel. The suspect then approached the vehicle, took possession of the two boxes, and handed money to the driver.

JMPD and security officers moved in and intercepted the suspect.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly told officers that he had arranged for an Uber driver to collect the parcel on his behalf.

The driver provided officers with information relating to the trip and was subsequently cleared of any involvement in the alleged crime.

“The Uber driver provided officers with the trip info and was released after being cleared of involvement,” JMPD said.

The suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and an alleged contravention of the Immigration Act.