A wake-up detective of Norkem Park SAPS arrested a suspect with a cloned stolen vehicle in a shopping centre parking area on Monday.Det W/O Kenny Mthembu was following up on a lead relating to a stolen grey Toyota Yaris and the information led him to the parking area at Pick ‘n Pay Birchleigh North, Norkem Park SAPS spokesman, Capt Lesibana Molokomme, said.
“The officer spotted the empty car which had been reported stolen in Primrose in August. While monitoring the vehicle he noticed a male suspect walking towards the vehicle with keys in his hand,” said Molokomme.
As the suspect (24) started the engine and attempted to drive off, he was cornered by Mthembu, who blocked him off and arrested him.
He was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Further investigations led the officer to a house in Benoni. Upon arrival, Mthembu found an exact replica of the stolen car, including the same registration details. The car belongs to an elderly couple from Benoni. The owner of the vehicle was not aware that his car had been duplicated, Molokomme said.
It is suspected that the car might have been used in committing crimes in and around Gauteng. Investigations continue to determine if the suspect could be linked to other crimes.
Police will trace the owner of the recovered vehicle.
