Pretoria phone snatcher suspect nabbed after viral video

A man accused of snatching a woman’s cellphone in Pretoria in a brazen daylight robbery that was caught on camera has been arrested and is now behind bars.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday by members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Tactical Response Unit. During his arrest, he was brought before cameras and confirmed to officers that he was the person seen in the viral video stealing the phone. Appearing dazed with red eyes and wearing green underpants, the suspect admitted his involvement in the incident.

“Yes, I am the one who stole the phone in Pretoria,” the suspect said during the arrest.

The incident occurred on 29 December 2025 outside a popular Pretoria restaurant, Kream. A video shows a woman walking up a flight of stairs toward the eatery while on a phone call. She was being filmed by a friend, with the two women hyping each other up as she approached the entrance.

Moments later, a man who had been walking closely behind her suddenly lunged forward, grabbed the phone from her hand and fled. He was later seen jumping into a vehicle that sped off.

The woman and her friend were left stunned, exclaiming in disbelief as the suspect made his escape. The footage of the crime in progress quickly spread across social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and X, drawing widespread outrage.

Social media users began circulating screenshots of the suspect from the video. Within minutes, people who claimed to know him shared what they said were his social media accounts, along with photos and videos allegedly showing him flaunting expensive designer clothing, costly alcohol at clubs, stacks of cash and a lavish lifestyle.

Online crime investigators and members of the public called for the suspect’s arrest, while others made controversial calls for him to be handed over to the community. Authorities have consistently warned against vigilante action, urging members of the public to allow law enforcement to handle criminal matters.

Following the viral spread of the video, more alleged victims came forward, identifying the suspect as the person who had stolen their phones in separate incidents. In 2023, the same man trended on social media after being filmed allegedly snatching a cellphone from a male victim before running into a waiting car.

At the time of publication, police had not issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the charges the suspect may face.