TWO men have been arrested and two cars recovered following a joint operation on Tuesday 17, May.
It is alleged on 16 May a man parked his white Toyota Fortuner in Morningside and on the following day, his vehicle was nowhere to be found. A case of theft of motor vehicle was opened for investigation at Berea SAPS.
Lt Nqobile Gwala from SAPS said on Tuesday, officers from the Provincial Vehicle Task Team, Durban South K9 Unit, Tracker and ORS began tracking the vehicle, which was eventually recovered in Masakhane Road, New Germany.
“A 50-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. Upon a further search in the yard, a VW Polo was also recovered. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen from the Berea area last month,” said Gwala.
The suspect gave police information on the person who had given him the vehicle and his suspected companion was contacted. He offered to pay a bribe to the police and a sting was set up. “The suspect agreed to bring the money to Wentworth police. Yesterday at about 6.45pm, the suspect came with an amount of R19 000 and was then placed under arrest. Two suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and bribery. A 50-year-old suspect is appearing in the Durban Magistrates Court today for possession of suspected stolen property,” said Gwala.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni congratulated the team for the recovery of the stolen vehicles.
“We will not rest until all those involved in the theft of vehicles are apprehended. This is an indication that our police officers will not hesitate to arrest those who attempt to bribe them,” she said.
