A vehicle owner was unaware his car had been stolen until a local detective traced him following the recovery of the stripped vehicle at a property in the Brakpan CBD.

A 40-year-old man was arrested and detained on June 19 for possession of the stolen motor vehicle.

Constable Audrey Buthelezi, social crime prevention and communications officer for Brakpan SAPS, explained that Detective Sergeant Tuka Gavade of the Brakpan Detectives Branch followed up on information regarding a motor vehicle that was covered with blankets and being stripped at an address along Queen Street.

“Gavade promptly mobilised backup and, after careful planning, law enforcement officers tactically approached the address,” she said.

“Two men were found inside the yard. One managed to escape by jumping over a wall, while the other was arrested and detained at the Brakpan Police Station.

“The motor vehicle, which had been covered with blankets and stripped of its engine and other parts, was found in the yard and towed to the police station.”

Gavade traced the owner of the vehicle and discovered he was out of the province and unaware of the theft.

The vehicle had been stolen from his yard.

Brakpan SAPS Detectives Branch commander Colonel Eugene Scheepers applauded the outstanding work done by Gavade, stating he is a good example of the SAPS Code of Conduct and ethical standards.

Other stakeholders involved were Graphite Security, Secure Tech Security and Boerie’s Towing.

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