Notorious phone snatcher arrested

The notorious viral phone snatcher has been arrested in Hilbrow after being identified when a video of him snatching a lady’s phone in Brooklyn went viral on social media

The arrest was carried out by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) on Tuesday after they received a tip-off.

It is reported that the suspect identified as Nobert Zapambela who has been recorded on numerous CCTV snatching phones from unsuspecting victims, was out on bail when he committed the latest crime after in Brooklyn and the woman has also opened a case.

The arrest led to three other suspects who are believed to be part of this syndicate being nabbed.

It is reported that the suspect has also been linked to a hijacking of an off duty JMPD officer in March 2025.

In an interview with the SABC, the Johannesburg Metro Police Spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the arrest.

“JMPD can confirm the arrest of a male suspect in Hillbrow this morning. The suspect is linked to incidents related to phone snatching in the Gauteng province and also linked to a recent video that has been going viral of suspects snatching the phone of a lady. JMPD tactical response unit officers are still investigating to see if more suspects can be arrested and further information will then be shared.”