Brakpan detective’s sharp eye leads to arrest of gate motor theft suspects
The two suspects, who are linked to five Brakpan cases, remain in custody.
The attentiveness of a detective from Brakpan SAPS has led to the identification and arrest of suspects wanted in connection with a series of gate motor thefts in Brakpan.
Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer, explained that Detective Sergeant Tuka Gavade was monitoring a security WhatsApp group chat when he noticed a report about an arrest made in Douglasdale, Johannesburg.
“After carefully following the information shared on the group and conducting further enquiries, Gavade realised that the suspects arrested in Douglasdale could be the individuals wanted for gate motor thefts in the Brakpan area,” she said.
“The two Zimbabwean nationals, who were arrested by members of Douglasdale SAPS, are linked to five cases in Brakpan, four of which involve the theft of gate motors.”
Gavade arranged for the pair to be transferred to Brakpan, where they face additional charges. Further investigations revealed that the suspects were using a motor vehicle registered as an premium e-hailing service.
It was also discovered that they had robbed clients who were using the service.
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Gavade ensured that the two appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on February 3, for a formal bail application.
“The matter was postponed to a later date, and both suspects remain in police custody. Police are still searching for two other male suspects who managed to flee during a chase in Douglasdale,” added Buthelezi.
Police are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding suspects to contact their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Brakpan SAPS Detective Branch commander Colonel Eugene Scheepers praised Gavade for his attentiveness, virtuosity and diligence.
He stated that achieving such results requires more than dedication, adding that Gavade had proven this through his actions.
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