![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2015/11/e48tarp_Small.jpg)
Quick thinking and swift action from a response officer resulted in a truck driver recovering a stolen tarpaulin from a suspected whoonga addict on the Merebank off-ramp on Friday morning, 20 November.
According to communications officer, Krishnee Naidoo, the robber fled when he knew response supervisor, Eric Pillay had discovered his scam.
“Pillay was driving along South Coast Road to Isipingo when he saw a horse and trailer parked on the island near the Merebank off-ramp,” said Krishnee.
“The driver of the truck was across the road, asking for directions from a passerby, when Pillay saw a man steal the tarpaulin off the back of the truck. He hid the item in the bushes.”
Pillay followed the truck to the Tomango Road depot and told the driver.
“He called for back-up and escorted the driver to the spot where he had seen the tarpaulin being stashed.”
They were met by the thief, who insisted the tarpaulin belonged to him. When questioned, he fled.