7 busted in KZN vehicle theft syndicate

A vehicle, which was allegedly stolen in Hillcrest earlier this month, was found in Klaarwater being tampered with and re-stamped by a 45-year-old male.

The recovery, which followed a joint operation comprising of police officers from Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) and Metro police, was conducted at the Durban beachfront at the weekend.

KZN police spokesperson, Capt Nqobile Gwala said Metro Police were busy conducting patrols on the Durban beachfront when they spotted a vehicle with four male occupants.

“Upon searching the vehicle, police found various car break-in implements and a number of vehicle computer boxes. The suspects’ vehicle was examined and it was established that the engine had been tampered with. Further investigations were conducted by the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) which led police to a house in Klaarwater,” said Gwala.

Gwala said two more suspects were arrested at the crime scene while trying to flee.

“A further search was conducted at the premises and nine more vehicles were recovered and one of the vehicles was stolen in Durban Central this month. The engines for the other eight vehicles were tampered with,” she said.

A hand grenade was found inside the house hidden in a laundry basket, as well as two pairs of police uniform, registration documents, certificates, angle grinders, grills, two stamping pencils, number plates, special electric equipment used to grind vehicle engine numbers, foreign currency notes and extension cables were also reported to have been recovered.

Gwala added that a total of 38 rounds of ammunition hidden under the mattress as well as cash of R260 000 were seized by the police.

“Seven suspects, aged between 30 and 45, were arrested on charges of possession of explosives, possession of a stolen property, possession of car break-in implements as well as possession of ammunition.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula congratulated all involved in the recovery of vehicles and the arrest of the suspects.

“This is a significant breakthrough for the province and bodes well towards our fight against those who steal as well as those who buy these stolen cars,” said Jula.