Riverside Bridge along Concubine Drive has once again come under the spotlight after two suspects were arrested following an alleged hijacking and kidnapping attempt earlier this month.
The incident, which occurred on 10 March, reportedly involved an Isuzu driver who was held at gunpoint by suspects believed to be from Shoshanguve. The suspects allegedly attempted to hijack the vehicle while the driver was en route to Diepsloot.
The situation was brought under control when national traffic officers intervened, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects.
Videos circulating on community WhatsApp groups show angry residents confronting the suspects after their arrest, highlighting growing frustration over crime in the area. Many residents have raised concerns about their safety, as Riverside Bridge is a commonly used route.
Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi confirmed awareness of the incident and described the area as a known crime hotspot.
“This area has been experiencing frequent cases of carjacking and robbery. Fortunately, law enforcement responded quickly and managed to apprehend the suspects while preventing the community from taking matters into their own hands,” he said.
Maswazi added that authorities had already received intelligence about criminal activity in the area.
“It was not a coincidence that officers were in the area. They had been tipped off about carjacking syndicates operating along this route,” he explained.
He further stated that the matter has been escalated to cluster policing structures, with plans to increase law enforcement visibility at high-risk points around Riverside and Ward 96.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid offering lifts to strangers.
“People must avoid giving lifts, whether free or paid, as this increases the risk of becoming a victim,” Maswazi warned.
Diepsloot SAPS spokesperson Colonel Matabane confirmed the arrest of the two suspects in connection with hijacking and kidnapping.
She commended the coordinated response by traffic officials and police officers.
However, she could not confirm whether the suspects remain in custody.
Recent crime statistics continue to paint a concerning picture, with car theft and hijackings remaining high across Johannesburg, making it one of the most affected cities in the country.
Authorities are urging residents to take precautionary measures as efforts continue to curb crime in the area.