Police followed leads, and this led them to recover two stolen vehicles, while the owners drive around in stolen vehicles unknowingly.
Sergeant David Ratau, media spokesperson from the Witbank Police stated that Operation Thunderstorm led detectives, Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG), Vehicle Identification Services (VIS) and police, to recover a silver Polo and a white Mazda bakkie.
On Saturday, November 12 CIG originally received leads which led them to the Polo. They followed the vehicle with a marked police vehicle to Klarinet, to the residential area of the driver. Sgt Ratau said that they asked to inspect the vehicle where the owners did not resist.
The Volkswagen Polo that was recovered, among others, in operation Thunderstorm on Saturday, November 12 by the police.
“Upon inspection, we realised that it was indeed a stolen vehicle, but we also discovered that the owner bought the Polo, after we thought that the suspects were still driving the Polo,” Sgt Ratau said.
It was also discovered that the owner had bought the Polo on OLX.
“He explained to us that he contacted the salesperson and met the salesperson at a mall in Gauteng. There a deposit was paid by the owner of the Polo and shortly after, the full amount was paid. When he went to fetch the vehicle, he got all the paperwork, except a copy of the salesperson’s identification document (ID). When he asked, he was told that it will be emailed or faxed to him. He then tried to follow up again, but the telephone number was no longer in use,” Sgt Ratau said.
The Ford bakkie was also recovered by police and other members in operation Thunderstorm on Saturday, November 12.
He also added that the VIN number of the Polo was scratched off from the windscreen, as well as the engine number.
“Upon asking, the owner was informed that the vehicle was stolen and recovered and that the police scratched the numbers off,” Sgt Ratau added.
He added that it is now difficult to trace the salesperson of the Polo. But he also urged members of the public to make sure every deal is legitimate.
“When you want to buy a vehicle, do not buy at an unregistered place and go straight to the offices. Do not meet in strange places. Malls, coffee shops and parking lots are always suspicious. Also take the time to take the vehicle to the licensing department to ensure that the car is roadworthy and not stolen. If the seller does not want to comply, something is not right. Most importantly, do not deposit money in advance. It has happened where the vehicle and the money disappear, so do not fall into this trap,” Sgt Ratau said.
He also added that during operations, arrests were made at Duvha, extension 15 for selling liquor without a license and six non-compliance were also issued.
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