Drone use sees CCPO’s crime response climb to new heights

Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO), Blue Security and ET Rapid Response officers had shots fired at them as they chased four suspected housebreakers on Thursday, 19 October.

CCPO committee member, George Snodey said four men in a white VW Polo attempted to break into a house in Dick King Road, Athlone Park. They tried to derail the driveway gate but were disturbed.

Vehicles were sent to patrol the area and CCPO and Blue Security patrol officer, Mbuyiselo ‘Triple M’ Mdunjane spotted the vehicle, which sped off.

“The vehicle was chased onto the N2 north by the CCPO, Blue Security and ET Rapid Response through Isipingo and Lamontville areas and the suspects opened fire at the chasing officers,” said Snodey.

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“Metro Police dog handler Shawn Jooste joined in the chase but the vehicle managed to evade them and disappeared in the Mobeni Heights area.”

On the same day, the CCPO received a report that a woman had observed a man throwing a wheelbarrow over a garden wall in Gus Brown Road. Shortly after that, the man tried to sell the wheelbarrow at Macro Pawn in Warner Beach.

He was questioned by CCPO supervisor, Michael Mhize and the suspect showed him where he had stolen the wheelbarrow.

READ ALSO: Burglary ends badly for Amanzimtoti criminal

The CCPO literally climbed to new heights on Friday, 20 October when one of its committee members, Paul O Neill arrived with his drone to assist in a search for a housebreaking suspect in thick bush in the Bhengu Road area.

“Unfortunately the suspect escaped this time, but you can be sure this drone will soon result in some arrests being made,” said Snodey.