/ 25 July 2007

Man arrested over Sexwale hijacking

A 28-year-old man is expected to appear in court in connection with the hijacking of Judy Sexwale outside a school last week, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sanku Tsunke said the man would appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He faces charges of armed robbery and hijacking.

”Following information received, he was arrested in Imazolo section, Tembisa, on Monday,” said Tsunke.

Judy, wife of businessman and former Gauteng premier Tokyo Sexwale, was hijacked next to the St David Marist school in Inanda, Sandton, while picking up her son from school on July 18. While still in her car, she was approached by two men and was held up at gunpoint.

She was robbed of her cellphone, cash and watch.

”The two men drove off in her BMW X5. The vehicle was later found abandoned at a parking lot of a shopping complex in Illovo,” said Tsunke.

The man has also been linked to other criminal activities including armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms.

”The second suspect has not been arrested at this stage and his whereabouts are also being followed,” said Tsunke.

In the meantime, the Sexwales have expressed their gratitude to the police for the speedy arrest.

”The Sexwale family appreciates the thoroughness and speed with which the police have acted, and commend them on their investigative work,” said family spokesperson Chris Vick. — Sapa