The spokesperson for the Johannesburg Flying Squad Police, Sergeant Desmond Subramoney, has warned buyers of stolen vehicles that they will face the full might of the law.
Subramoney replied to questions sent to him on 28 May by the North Eastern Tribune after the police recovered various stolen and hijacked motor vehicles in Johannesburg.
Subramoney said during their routine patrols, they recovered five hijacked motor vehicles, a Hyundai, a VW Polo, a Mazda, a Range Rover and a Ford Fiesta. “We have also recovered six stolen vehicles including two VW Polos, a Toyota Hilux, a Toyota Stallion, a Nissan bakkie and a Toyota Fortuner.
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“Our officers also recovered a 9mm Beretta pistol and ammunition during our police patrols.”
Subramoney said police officers are determined to help the community and that they recognise the community’s needs. He also said they have noticed that there are people who are hiding or buying stolen vehicles.
“The public is encouraged to work with police in order to understand what constitutes a crime. We have realised that there are people who are buying second-hand goods without checking where they are coming from.”
He said that they encourage members of the community to call the police when second-hand goods or vehicles are sold so that they can be checked first. “Our police stations will always help with information to give guidance when buying second-hand goods.
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“Let us all do the right thing to avoid being a victim. Visit your nearest police station and be informed or get information to be safe. Together we can make a difference.”
Meanwhile, on 28 May, Flying Squad police members arrested 14 suspects for committing different crimes.
“The suspects were arrested in different areas around Johannesburg during routine patrols.
“Among the suspects arrested, one was arrested for theft, one for shoplifting, one for business break-in, one for malicious damage to property, one for possession of a hijacked vehicle, five for possession of stolen vehicles and four suspects for possession of drugs,” Subramoney said.
The suspects are expected to appear in different Magistrates’ Courts facing the different charges.
Details: Johannesburg Flying Squad police 011 248 1316.
