Durban North detective secures convictions in attempted car theft case

THE management of the Durban North police station has commended detective Sipho Shezi, who secured a lengthy conviction for three suspects who were involved in the attempted theft of a car from Hyper by the Sea car park in April this year.

Siboniso Luthuli (accused 1), Nhlakanipho Majola (accused 2) and Lugano Mthiyane (accused 3) were part of a car theft syndicate, confirmed Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the station.

Luthuli was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison, Majola was sentenced to 10 years and 12 months and Mthiyane was sentenced to five years and 18 months.

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“At the time of the arrest, officers from our station were on a routine patrol when they spotted the suspects tampering with the ignition of one of the vehicles. Two of the suspects were caught trying to steal a VW Polo from the car park of Hyper by the Sea, while a third suspect was arrested close by in a getaway vehicle. Various number plates, a two-way radio and two bags containing car breaking implements were found in the suspect’s possession. The suspects were charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle and possession of car breaking implements.

“Through investigations from Detective Shezi, the suspects were found to be repeat offenders and had been linked to other car thefts. The accused offered to pay fines into CARA (the state’s criminal asset recovery account), however, the prosecutor held his ground and rejected it because of the seriousness and repeat history. The station commander commended the detective for his sterling work in the case and to our officers who made the arrest. This is a tremendous success for the station. We are extremely proud of all of them,” Deokaran explained.