Concerted efforts by some community members to assist the police in the fight against crime in the Nyanga area continue to produce the desired results. On Tuesday 21 August 2018, three suspects were arrested, two as a result of tip-offs received by police members who were on patrol, and the third suspect during an operation conducted in Browns Farm.
During a crime intelligence operation which focused on chop shops a 28 year old suspect was arrested after various vehicle parts had been found at his residence in Aspen Road in Siyanyanzela, Browns Farm. The suspect could not explain where he obtained the vehicle parts. Among the parts were a sun roof, three hacks, pipes, a sound player, a fan cover and various other parts.
A second suspect, a 43 year old man, was arrested at his house after police who were on patrol received information about a suspected illegal firearm in Lambatha Street in Browns Farm. Police went to the address, searched the house and recovered a black bag hidden in the ceiling. Inside the black bag were a .38 special revolver with five live rounds, two magazines, 15 special revolver live rounds, eight rounds for a 7.65 pistol, 22 live rounds for a 9mm and 15 rounds of ammunition for a special revolver.
The third suspect, a 22 year old man, was busted after a vehicle which had been reported hijacked was found at his car wash business. The police were also informed of a suspected stolen vehicle parked at the same address and on arrival saw the vehicle which had been reported hijacked in SAPS Philippi. After questioning the owner of the car wash, he was arrested.
All three arrested suspects, aged 22, 28 and 43, will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court, once charged for the possession of stolen and hijacked vehicles, and possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General KE Jula appreciates the efforts made by some community members who continue to be the police’s eyes and ears. “It is only through intensified partnerships that we can rid our communities of criminals”, he said.