Queensburgh car theft unearths major chop shop

A VEHICLE stolen in Malvern in September this year has led police to a well-hidden chop shop in Eshowe.

The H100 bakkie was stolen in the Queensburgh area in the early hours of 17 September and SAPS Malvern Detective Commander Captain Alvin Thomas and three detectives under his command tracked the vehicle to Eshowe.

On arrival at the location as per the tracker co-ordinates, police not only discovered that the engine of the bakkie had been removed, but that there were several other stripped cars on the property as well as a lone man.

The man was apprehended and taken to the Malvern SAPS for questioning, which is when he revealed that there was a chop shop in Eshowe.

“A strategic plan was then devised to infiltrate the chop shop and the following day Cpt Thomas and his team proceeded to Eshowe,” reported Radhika Marimuthu, corporate communications officer for Malvern SAPS.

“Coincidentally the kingpin of a wanted gang then phoned the suspect enroute to Eshowe and indicated that he had another stolen bakkie for sale .

“Arrangements were made to meet at a garage in Madadeni. While the members were at the garage , two vehicles with occupants arrive,” said Marimuthu.

The suspects allegedly opened fire on police officers when they tried to approach. The police returned fire and two suspects sped off in one of the vehicles.

Two of the officers gave chase and the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a cane field. The officers then gave chase on foot, assisted by the SAPS K-9 unit and the SAPS Airwing .

“The cane fields were combed but unfortunately the suspects had managed to flee without a trace. Meanwhile back at the garage, in the ensuing gunfire , one suspect had been shot , two were arrested and two had fled.

“It was established that the vehicles the suspect had driven to the garage had been stolen in the Bellair area,” she added.

Cases of theft of motor vehicle and attempted murder have been opened, with investigations continuing.

Anyone with information in this regard can call Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SAPS Malvern Detectives on (031) 4899619/4899620/4899621.