THREE metro police officers have been commended for their efforts in tracking down and recovering a vehicle stolen from Addington Beach on 11 June.
The vehicle, a white Ford Figo, was reported stolen at the Boscombe Joint Operation Centre where Captain Isabel Moolman assisted the owner of the vehicle and working with him, managed to track the movements of the car. She alerted Inspector Briekie Lee for the K-9 unite to assist and Constable Sibonelo Mthembu and Sergeant Mandla Gumbi who were on duty were dispatched to uMlazi BB section where the last movement of the vehicle was tracked.
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The police officers soured the township looking for the vehicle and eventually spotted it at a local car wash, where it had just been vacummed and was being washed. It had been dropped off by a man who said he would return later to fetch it. Constable Mthembu and Sergeant Gumbi kept in constant communication with the complainant to update them of their progress also informing them when they had located the vehicle.
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In the letter of commendation to the city, the complainant said he was aware that it was extremely rare to find a car without a tracker and on this basis the positive and persevering attitude of the Metro Police personnel was commendable.
“Both Captain Moolman and Constable Mthembu were calm, professional, and diligent from the time I dealt with them to finding the vehicle. I consider that they went beyond the call of duty and they have given my family and I a heightened faith and respect for the Metro Police. As citizens we often complain about where our rates go, but your department has certainly shown that our rates are contributing to a very professional and well trained organisation,” he wrote.“There was no need to open a case in the end and I received my vehicle immediately. The officers, while thankful for the commendation, said it was all in a day’s work. My heart felt sincere thanks to these personnel and I hope that you can reward them for their excellent work.”
Captain Moolman said the best part of her job is helping people. “Had we not acted so quickly the car would have been long gone. While this was part of our job it is nice to be appreciated.”
Mthembu said it was important in their job to never give up and to always keep trying. “We are thankful for the recognition. It makes it all worthwhile.”
Gumbi added that finding the vehicle so quickly made him happy and thankful.
