WESTERN CAPE – Swift response by police to information about a stolen vehicle led to the recovery of a Toyota Avanza at Lawaaikamp, George on Monday, 03 January 2022 at about 19:30.

Last night, Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team (ECCCT) members deployed to patrol crime ridden areas as part of ongoing Safer Festive Season operations operationalized information received from the public spotted the vehicle parked at a house. They proceeded with a search when the driver was unable to account for his possession thereof. The police seized the vehicle and subsequently arrested the driver.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle was parked at a residence at Mfuleni in the Cape Metropole when the owner left her residence. On her return yesterday she noticed that the vehicle was stolen. A case of theft of motor vehicle was opened at the Mfuleni police station thereafter.

The 26-year-old suspect remains in police custody. He is expected to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, 05 January 2022 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and theft of motor vehicle.

Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, had nothing but praise for the members who brought the suspect to book and ensured the recovery of the vehicle.  He said: “our Safer Festive Season operations are in full swing and the heightened visibility in crime ridden areas would be maintained as part of the ongoing approach to safeguard communities during the holiday period and beyond”.

Source: South African Police Service