Tzaneen: Police warn community against syndicate stealing cars
According to Mojapelo, the latest incident is similar to the one that also took place in Nkowankowa Section C at the beginning of the month.
Police in Tzaneen have warned motorists of the possible existence of a criminal syndicate targeting private motor vehicle sellers.
This after yet another vehicle was hijacked last week in Nkowankowa Section A. In this latest incident, a 24-yearold man, selling his private vehicle, allegedly arranged to meet with the potential buyer at a certain spot in the area.
“Upon arrival, the alleged buyer requested to inspect the vehicle. Two other men came and one suspect produced a firearm and threatened the victim who managed to flee on foot. The men drove away in the victim’s black VW City Golf with registration numbers PXK 079 GP, valued at R30 000,” said police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
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According to Mojapelo, the latest incident is similar to the one that also took place in Nkowankowa Section C at the beginning of the month. A 36-year-old man was privately selling his VW City Golf motor vehicle when he allegedly received a phone call from a potential buyer and immediately drove to the area to meet with him.
When he arrived, he allegedly found two men and they started with the negotiations. While they were busy, three other men emerged, one armed with a firearm. One of the men then fired several shots randomly while others grabbed the victim and took his car keys.
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The attackers, thereafter drove away and disappeared with the victim’s vehicle blue in colour with registration numbers BHJ 594L valued at R40 000. Police are also investigating another case where a 36-year-old man was hijacked in the Letsitele policing area last month, by suspects using the same modus operandi. The hijacked gold Toyota Corolla has not yet been recovered. The registration number is DRZ 966L.
“Members of the community are once more advised and encouraged to avoid engaging in such deals with unknown people to avoid these type of incidents to occur,” advised Mojapelo.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of anyone involved in this matter and recovery of the vehicles, may contact Col Cecil Machimane on 082 451 7181, the crime stop number 08600-10111 or the nearest station.
