Theft of vehicles from dealership, suspect arrested after shootout, PE

South African Police Service

Theft of vehicles from dealership, suspect arrested after shootout, PE
Theft of vehicles from dealership, suspect arrested after shootout, PE. Photo: SAPS

Two more suspects were arrested and the remaining stolen vehicle taken from a VW dealership on Friday, 21 February 2020, was recovered by PE Flying Squad members on the night of 23 February 2020.

It is alleged that on Friday, 21 February 2020, at about 15:10, W/O Siphumele Msindwana and Const Sihle Dayile were patrolling in New Brighton when they noticed about three brand new VW Polos with no registration numbers driving in convoy in Mendi Street in New Brighton.

The members became suspicious as to why these vehicles were in convoy in that area. As they stopped the driver of the first vehicle, the other vehicles drove off. On questioning the driver, he offered various explanations, one such explanation was that he worked for a VW dealership in North End. After failing to convince the officers, W/O Msindwana took the suspect with him to North End to verify his story while Const Dayile followed in the VW Polo.

Further investigations revealed that the 29-year-old male was lying and was detained on a charge of theft of motor vehicle. The dealership was not even aware that vehicles were driven out of their depot until it was brought to their attention by the members.

The suspect from New Brighton was detained on a charge of theft of motor vehicle.

Later that same evening, a second VW Polo was found by New Brighton members. The vehicle was parked in a single quarter accommodation. The vehicle was impounded.

On Sunday evening, 23 February 2020 at about 22:50, W/O Msindwana and Const Dayile were once again on duty and were patrolling the M17 near Addo when they spotted another VW Polo with no registration plates. The members became suspicious and a high speed chase ensued. Shots were fired by the suspects and the officers and the vehicle drove onto the pavement, coming to a halt.

Two suspects aged 50 and 25 were arrested on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property. The third suspect got away. There was no damages to the vehicle and no injuries sustained.

Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Patekile once again applauded the good work by the two members of Flying Squad. “The intuition and alertness of the members resulted in the recovery of all three vehicles taken from the depot,” added Maj Gen Patekile.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service