Various law enforcement agencies successfully dismantled a major vehicle theft syndicate operating around the greater Johannesburg area.
Three men were apprehended on Hendrik Potgieter Road on September 3 during a co-ordinated operation.
When the Roodepoort Northsider arrived at the scene, it was fully contained and processed, and all the necessary role players were present. According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, information was received through the police’s Crime Intelligence unit about a group of suspects who are involved in the theft of motor vehicles around Gauteng. The suspects were utilising an Audi A3 sedan and allegedly targeted high-end value vehicles and SUVs.
The police recovered items which included a highly sophisticated electronic device (relay attack device), two military-grade signal jamming devices, vehicle theft implements, gloves, multiple false registration plates and cellphones upon seizing the suspects’ vehicle.
“The suspects’ vehicle, affixed with false number plates, with three occupants, was spotted driving in Little Falls. The suspects were linked to various cases of theft of motor vehicles around Gauteng,” Masondo remarked.
The stakeholders who operationalised the information and went out searching for the suspects included the police’s Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Honeydew police officers, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court soon.