An off-duty member of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) Equestrian Unit cornered a car thief in Edenvale while on his way to visit family.
According to the spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, the officer was approaching his mother-in-law’s house when he spotted a strange man sitting inside a car and fiddling under the dashboard.
The incident took place on Thursday, June 26.
The officer also saw another vehicle parked close-by with two occupants sitting inside.
“When the officer confronted the man, he quickly removed the gloves he was wearing and rushed towards the near-by vehicle,” said Chief Supt Kgasago.
The officer realised the situation could quickly become life-threatening and fired a warning shot at the men.
“The occupants of the other vehicle attempted to flee the scene while their accomplice was in the process of entering the getaway car,” said Chief Supt Kgasago.
The man who had been trying to steal the car then took off on foot.
“Fortunately, back up arrived and the suspect was chased down Voortrekker Road and apprehended at the corner of Horwood Street,” said Chief Supt Kgasago.
An inspection of the vehicle which the men had targeted revealed that it had been successfully started.
“The fuse box and ignition were tampered with,” said Chief Supt Kgasago.
When the man was profiled at the Edenvale Police Station later that night, it was found he was wanted in connection with several charges including hijacking, attempted murder, business robbery and motor vehicle theft.
A case of attempted theft of motor vehicle was registered at the Edenvale Police Station.
