Two men have been arrested after Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit officers recovered a hijacked National Department of Health vehicle and allegedly discovered human organs at a property in Naledi, Soweto.
The arrests were made on Thursday evening, 9 July 2026, during a crime prevention operation prompted by a tip-off.
According to the JMPD, officers received information about a vehicle being stripped at a residence on Nape Street.
After finding the property gate open and receiving no response at the house, officers entered and found one suspect inside.
He allegedly told officers the white VW Caddy in the garage belonged to the homeowner. A verification check confirmed the vehicle had been hijacked and was already being stripped.
Officers continued searching the property and found a second suspect hiding in the backyard, leading to his immediate arrest.
During the search, officers also discovered two buckets allegedly containing human organs, identified as hearts and lungs.
The suspects were taken to Naledi SAPS and charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle and possession of human organs.
The JMPD commended the Tactical Response Unit officers for their vigilance and successful operation.
Investigations by SAPS and JMPD are continuing to determine the origin of the human organs and to trace the homeowner linked to the property where the discoveries were made.