A brazen and armed car thief stole a vehicle from the Carletonville CBD on a Friday afternoon, last month, after pointing a firearm at the car guard who witnessed the incident. According to Khau Muse, who was on duty when the incident occurred, the gold Run-X vehicle with a Botswana registration was parked in front of Steer’s in Gold Street. The driver walked towards the restaurant and did not respond when Muse asked him whether he could look after his car for him.
While the driver was occupied inside Steers, a strange man approached the vehicle and tried to open it, using what looked like a piece of wire.
When Khau confronted the suspect, the latter said the owner had sent him to open the vehicle. An argument ensued when Muse wanted to know why it was then necessary to use the wire to get in. Ignoring his protests, the suspect managed to open the door and get into the vehicle. When Khau stepped up to the window, the suspect pointed a black 9mm firearm at him, making sure no one was watching. He threatened to shoot the guard if he moved, shouted or drew attention.
The suspect proceeded to hot-wire the vehicle and sped away, almost injuring the guard in the process. By the time the owner of the vehicle had returned, the car was gone. They alerted the police, who then gave chase but failed to apprehend the suspect. A case of car theft was opened and is being investigated.
