Police at OR Tambo International Airport have arrested a 64-year-old man believed to be a serial robber targeting travellers, following the armed robbery of three high-ranking foreign police officials over the weekend.
The suspect was apprehended hours after the incident on Saturday afternoon. A silver Suzuki Swift, allegedly used in multiple crimes in the area, has been seized by police.
According to authorities, the three victims—a police general and two other senior officers from an unnamed African country—were travelling to the airport in an e-hailing vehicle. On the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp, four males in a silver Suzuki Swift forced their driver to pull over.
The suspects, who posed as police officers, robbed the three officials of cash, watches, and cellphones.
Following an investigation, police traced the vehicle and made the arrest. During a subsequent probe, it was discovered that the 64-year-old suspect has a criminal record dating back to 1998, with 42 previous cases in which he was arrested and charged. These charges include armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud, and impersonating a police officer.
Police stated they believe the arrest has “broken the back” of a syndicate involved in airport following robberies in the area.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 03 March 2026. An investigation has been launched to determine how the alleged serial robber was not convicted and remained free.