High-speed chases, catching a smash-and-grab thief on camera and reuniting a woman with her stolen belongings were all in a day’s work for local law enforcers.
A motorist will appear in court soon after fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run incident in Athlone and leading the City of Cape Town’s Ghost Squad on a high-speed chase, the City said in a statement.
The driver, in a Toyota Cressida, allegedly hit a female pedestrian on the corner of Klipfontein and Hazel Roads just before 22:00 on Saturday. Ghost Squad officers – so named for their use of unmarked vehicles – were on patrol in the area and gave chase as the motorist sped off towards Gugulethu.
“He eventually came to a stop after colliding with another vehicle in Crossroads and then fled on foot, but officers caught up with him,” the city said.
“The suspect was taken to the Athlone Police Station and will appear in court on charges of reckless and negligent driving and fleeing the scene of an accident.”
Just a few hours later, the Ghost Squad arrested three motorists for reckless and negligent driving while responding to complaints of illegal street racing in Mitchell’s Plain. Two others were arrested for drunk driving – but not before attempting to flee. They were eventually arrested in Philippi.
Meanwhile, a suspect caught on camera during a smash-and-grab incident on the corner of Jakes Gerwel and Washington Drives in Langa on Friday, is probably still smarting after he tried to stab a police officer – and was then shot in the thigh.
After receiving medical treatment, he was arrested on charges of possession of stolen goods, possession of a dangerous weapon, common assault and resisting arrest.
The victim also added a charge of theft out of motor vehicle. Officers managed to recover the victim’s handbag and all its contents, including about R600 in cash.
Source: News24
South Africa Today – South Africa News
