Hijacked Department of Health vehicle uncovered in Soweto as police find suspected human organs
Hijacked Health Department vehicle leads police to chilling discovery of suspected human organs in Soweto
A routine crime prevention operation in Soweto took a shocking turn on Thursday evening when Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers uncovered a hijacked Department of Health vehicle and made the grisly discovery of what are believed to be human organs at a residential property in Naledi.
The operation, carried out by the JMPD Tactical Response Unit (TRU), resulted in the arrest of two men who are now facing charges of possessing a hijacked vehicle and allegedly possessing human organs. Authorities say the investigation is only beginning, with detectives working to establish the origin of the organs and trace the property’s owner.
According to JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla, officers were conducting routine crime prevention patrols when they received intelligence that a vehicle was being stripped at a house on Nape Street in Naledi.
When officers arrived, they found the property’s gate standing open. They entered the yard and noticed that the front door of the house was partially open. After repeatedly identifying themselves and receiving no response, officers entered the residence.
Inside, they encountered a male suspect who claimed that the vehicle in question was parked in the garage and belonged to the homeowner.
A search of the garage uncovered a white Volkswagen Caddy belonging to the National Department of Health. Police conducted a verification check, which confirmed that the vehicle had been reported as hijacked. Officers also found that it had already been partially stripped.
The operation escalated as police widened their search of the property.
A second male suspect was discovered hiding in the backyard and was immediately arrested.
During the search, officers made an even more disturbing discovery. Two buckets allegedly containing human organs, believed to be hearts and lungs, were found on the property.
The two suspects were taken into custody and detained at Naledi SAPS. They have been charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle and possession of human organs.
Fihla said investigators from SAPS and the JMPD are continuing their investigation to determine where the organs came from and to locate the homeowner, who could play a key role in the case.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the organs are linked to any missing persons or other criminal investigations. Authorities are expected to conduct further forensic examinations as the investigation unfolds.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with investigators now racing to establish exactly what happened at the Naledi property and whether more arrests could follow.
