Four arrested on M1 south after JMPD stops BMW, seizing over 4,000 allegedly stolen SIM cards

Zuko Komisa

JMPD officers stopped a number-plateless BMW on the M1 South, leading to the arrest of four men aged 29-30.
A search of the vehicle uncovered over 4,000 allegedly stolen MTN SIM cards, a suspected signal jammer, and a fraudulent temporary vehicle permit.
The suspects and evidence were transferred to SAPS custody, highlighting JMPD’s commitment to combating communication network crime.

Four men are in custody after Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers intercepted a car on the M1 South motorway, leading to the discovery of over 4,000 allegedly stolen SIM cards.

The incident occurred on the evening of 7 October when a routine patrol spotted a white BMW 1 Series travelling without number plates near Xavier Street. JMPD officers stopped the vehicle, which was also found to be operating with a fraudulent temporary permit.

A subsequent search of the car uncovered a large plastic bag containing more than 4,000 suspected stolen MTN SIM cards. Officers also recovered a device believed to be a signal jammer or SIM card registration machine.

The four male suspects, aged between 29 and 30, were immediately detained.

All evidence, including the SIM cards and the recovered device, has been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Booysens to open a formal case. The BMW has been seized and impounded at the Lenasia SAPS vehicle pound for further verification.

The JMPD stated that the successful interception underscores their ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities and protect essential communication networks in Johannesburg, stressing the importance of such operations in safeguarding telecommunication systems.