GAUTENG. – An alleged vehicle thief was arrested early Thursday morning in the north of Pretoria after an intelligence-driven operation disrupted a syndicate allegedly involved in vehicle theft. Two stolen vehicles, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
According to Proshield Security Services, the operation was carried out around 03:00 in the morning and involved the Tshwane Metro Police's dog unit, Tshwane Police's dog unit, Tracker Connect, Wezindlela Group, GAC Risk Solutions, Proshield Security and Maximum Security.
Information was received that suspects were using a silver Honda Amaze. The vehicle was spotted between 02:20 and 02:30 along with a red Volkswagen Polo on Soutpan Road (M35) heading towards Soshanguve. When metro police tried to stop the Honda, the vehicle allegedly sped away at high speed. The pursuit continued into Soshanguve Block A, where it ended up in a dead-end street.
One alleged suspect was wounded after a firearm was allegedly spotted during an attempted escape, after which he was arrested. The Polo meanwhile sped away on the M35, after which the driver lost control when the vehicle hit a speed bump and crashed into rocks alongside the road. Two suspects fled on foot.
Officers also found a Nissan NP200 with a broken passenger window and stripped interior during the search. According to the investigation, the Polo and NP200 were reported stolen earlier the same morning. The Honda Amaze, which allegedly was used in the crimes, was also seized. A cellphone and various items suspected of being used as tools to break into vehicles were found.
Cases connected with the investigation include three vehicle theft cases at Villieria Police, a case of attempted theft and a vehicle theft case at Pretoria North Police, as well as a vehicle theft case at Wonderboompoort Police. The investigation continues.
The Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) separately confirmed the success.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
