The vigilance of members attached to POPS ensured that a Scania truck with cargo which was hijacked on the night of Wednesday, 17 May 2023, was recovered with part of the cargo found in an informal settlement in Philippi.
Further investigation into the movement of the truck led to the discovery of a hydroponic dagga lab and the subsequent arrest of four suspects.
Preliminary investigation reveals that on 18 May 2023 at about 03:15 members attached to POPS were busy with crime prevention patrols along Spine Road near Blue Downs, Eerste River when they spotted the Scania truck abandoned on the side of the road. It was established that he truck belongs to a truck transporting company based in Bellville.
Upon further enquiries, the members determined that he truck was hijacked in Bellville and looted of its cargo consisting alcohol, printers and fruit juice, the previous night.
The members pursued further information which led them to Pacific, Isiqalo, an informal settlement in Philippi where they managed to recover some of the stolen cargo and arrested five suspects between the ages 35 and 52 who were found in possession of the stolen cargo with an estimated value of R5 million.
The suspects are detained and are scheduled to make their first court appearance for charges related to hijacking of the truck and possession of presumed stolen property.
Whilst searching for more of the stolen loot, the members discovered a hydroponic dagga laboratory in close proximity where the loot was found. The members confiscated a substantial quantity of dagga products and dagga cultivating equipment with an estimated value of R2.6 million.
The three suspects, two men, aged 30 and 45 and a 27-year-old woman have been detained for the illegal cultivation and dealing in dagga. They will make their first court appearances once they have been charged.
Provincial management has lauded the members for their vigilance and commitment to protect our communities from the scourge of drugs and crimes associated with the abuse and trafficking thereof.
