#SundayRECAP: You can run, but you just cannot hide
Theft of motor vehicles is becoming a common crime in the community.
Helicopters are constantly hovering over Eldorado Park as police and tracking companies trace stolen cars to the area.
Sometimes the suspects get away and other times they are not so fortunate.
Captain Phillemon Khorombi, the communications officer for the Eldorado Park policing precinct, said, “Our members received information about a suspected stolen vehicle.
“The vehicle was a black VW Polo. The suspects were busy fiddling with the car, trying to start the vehicle when the police arrived at the scene.
“Police proceeded to check the registration number of the vehicle and searched the premises where the vehicle was found. Further investigation revealed that the registration numbers were changed and the door locks were broken.
“The suspect, a 31-year-old man, was detained at the Eldorado Park Police Station holding cells. The vehicle was taken to the SAPS storage camp in Lenasia for further investigation.”
Khorombi added, “We are saying to the criminals that even if they tampered with the engine number of the vehicle after stealing it, we will still be able to identify if it is a stolen motor vehicle and there will be nowhere to hide.”
Car theft is one of many crimes that transpire in the community. Khorombi said that a 27-year-old suspect was arrested for being in possession of presumed stolen goods.
The investigative officer was investigating a case of house burglary and theft and his investigation led him to the discovery of the electrical items which were reported stolen.
The items were seized and the suspect was arrested and held at the Eldorado Park Police Station holding cells.
Domestic violence is a common crime that is committed too often in the community. Captain Khorombi shared more of these cases.
He said, “A 36-year-old suspect was arrested in the Main Road, Eldorado Park. The victim was sitting in a car with her boyfriend when a man demanded money from his girlfriend.
“The girlfriend didn’t have any money and he continued harassing her. She managed to run away and started screaming which alerted patrolling police.
“When he saw the police, the suspect drove away. A car chase ensued and the man was apprehended by police.”
“We received a complaint of attempted murder and proceeded to the scene. We found that the victim was already taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“Upon further investigation, we found that the victim was shot through his head by an unknown suspect.
“We appeal to anyone who has witnessed the crime or saw the suspect who was involved in this shooting, to come forward with any information that they might have,” Khorombi said.
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On behalf of the Soweto East Cluster, Khorombi said, “Our members received information of a shooting at a hardware store. Members proceeded to the scene where the witnesses alleged that two suspects entered the premises.
“They pretended to be customers and one of the men was in possession of a firearm. The armed robber drew the firearm and proceeded to rob the owner of the premises.
“It is alleged that shots were heard from outside the premises and one victim was found dead. The other victim was taken to the fire station, which is where he died.
“One firearm was confiscated and one suspect of undetermined age was arrested. His accomplice has not been found. So, we are appealing to the community to assist with more information.
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“Remember, this is the festive season, as SAPS, we are concerned about the safety of our people and we also need support from the community so that we can work as a team to prevent criminal activity.
“We are still saying that people should be more vigilant during this festive season, specifically at businesses premises such as ATMs and so on.”
He concluded, “We are saying that people should be on high alert, as suspects, when they shoot, they shoot randomly where innocent people may become victims of those criminal activities. SAPS also has our own festive season strategic plan to deal with these serious crimes.”
