THE police in Montclair have issued a warning about a spike in complaints of theft out of motor vehicles within the jurisdiction.
“Car owners are warned not to keep valuables visible in their vehicles and take extra precautionary measures to safeguard their vehicles. Always be alert of your surroundings and where you park your vehicle. Take notice of anything unusual and observe activities within your vicinity. Visual and mental notes to be recorded for your personal safety and property,” said Montlair Police spokesperson, Captain Derek Vijiam.
Carjacking
POLICE are following up on leads of a carjacking case after a man was held at gunpoint on South Coast Road in Mobeni on Thursday, 28 January at about 6.45pm. The driver was accosted by an unknown man who pointed a firearm at him and forced him inside his Toyota bakkie.
“They were joined in the vehicle by three unknown men. The victim was physically dragged from the front to the rear seat. He was assaulted and tied with a rope. Thereafter, suspects drove off with the victim towards Umlazi. While in motion, they questioned the victim about the vehicle had a tracking device in it. They removed his firearm and wallet from him.
“Suddenly, the vehicle stopped somewhere in Umlazi and the assailants alighted the vehicle and ran off. The victim heard shots being fired. The victim was untied by police,” said Vijiam.
Armed robbery
A MAN was robbed of his belongings on Tuesday, 26 January at about 5pm at Montclair Railway Station. “He was approached by two unknown men. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and in the process demanded his cellphone and cash. They immediately made their getaway on foot. The police are cautioning the public to be vigilant when moving around alone. Try to walk in groups. Always try not to be isolated in the early hours of the morning or late at night,” said Vijiam.
Possession of heroin and cocaine
A MAN was found in possession of 61 capsules containing heroin and cocaine on Wednesday, 3 February at about 5.45pm.
“Sergeant Alex Maphumulo was on patrol on Soupan Road in Clairwood, when he observed the suspect behaving suspiciously. He found many people moving around and interacting with the suspect. He proceeded to a dwelling where the suspect was, and on searching, found him to be in possession of the capsules. The sergeant arrested him. He was charged, detained at Montclair SAPS and appeared in the Wentworth Court on Thursday, 4 February,” said Vijiam.
Theft
A CASE of theft from a motor vehicle was registered with the Montclair police after a bakkie driver had his belongings removed by unknown men. On Tuesday, 2 February at about 4pm, the driver was travelling on South Coast Road in Clairwood, between Solomon Mahlangu traffic lights and Huletts.
“He was driving in the center lane with two heavy-duty commercial vehicles on either side of his vehicle. Traffic was moving extremely slow when he was alerted by the constant hooting of other drivers, informing him that someone was breaking into his vehicle in the rear.”
“The latch and lock were broken off the canopy. The driver witnessed men removing property from the vehicle. He immediately reversed and bumped into one of the suspects.”
“He alighted his vehicle in an attempt to stop them. He punched one of the suspects who produced a knife. The suspects ran away with the stolen items. There were about four to five suspects, who wore dirty clothing. The suspects removed chrome curve showers, mixers and chrome rose arms and basins with other items,” said Vijiam.
Theft
A CABLE thief met his match after attempting to steal from a moving truck on Thursday, 4 February at about 1pm. The truck driver was coming off the M4 onto South Coast Road in Clairwood when he noticed a man jumping onto his truck and cutting the cable.
“The driver stopped and noticed the cable on the road. While alighting from the truck, he saw a police officer in civilian clothing in pursuit of the suspect. The suspect was in possession of a knife and attempted to fight the officer. The police shot the suspect in the leg. The suspect was arrested and transported via ambulance to Wentworth Hospital.
