Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku has confirmed the arrest of a suspected phone snatcher who was caught on camera in a widely circulated phone-snatching video.
The suspect was tracked down and apprehended by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit (JMPD TRU) in Hillbrow following an intensive manhunt.
The incident, which sparked public outrage online, happened in broad daylight on Sunday, 28 December, at the entrance of the popular Kream Restaurant.
The footage shows a man closely following a woman before violently snatching her cellphone and fleeing the scene. In the video, the suspect can be seen running off and jumping into a silver Toyota Corolla, which quickly drives away. The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting calls for swift action from law enforcement.
Tshwaku took to social media to confirm that he has been arrested, sharing a video update in which he assured residents that authorities had acted decisively.
In the video, he can be heard confessing that he stole a phone in Pretoria.
“The notorious criminal captured on a viral video smash-and-grabbing a cellphone has been tracked down and arrested by the TRU in Hillbrow. Swift, decisive action has been taken. Lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Tshwaku stated.
Social media users also played a significant role in assisting the investigation. Through collective online efforts, the suspect was allegedly identified as Nobert Zapambela, a Zimbabwean national believed to be residing in Johannesburg’s Maboneng precinct.
Screenshots circulating online, allegedly taken from the suspect’s Instagram account, show images of a man wearing clothing similar to that seen in the viral video.
In addition, several other videos have since surfaced on social media, with users alleging that the suspect had been involved in similar phone-snatching incidents in the past and had repeatedly evaded arrest.
The City of Tshwane also confirmed that the MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, EFF Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu, will open a case of robbery, theft, and assault.
A case will be formally lodged at Brooklyn Police Station against Zapambela, who was seen fleeing in a silver Toyota Corolla with registration HD 23 TZ GP.
“The MMC strongly condemns the activities of cellphone theft syndicates in Pretoria and all forms of criminal conduct. Such acts undermine public safety and will not be tolerated. The MMC reaffirms support for law enforcement agencies in their efforts to decisively address and combat crime. We also call for people affected by the same incident to contact the police,” said Ramabodu.
Saturday Star