WATCH: Major bust at car dealership in Randfontein

West Rand District Police made a major bust on Friday 4 December after discovering goods valued at least R800 000 at a car dealership in Randfontein near the R28, Randfontein Herald reports.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, during the intelligence-driven operation, a 43-year-old suspect was arrested after being found in possession of suspected stolen goods.

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Peters said during the raid, police found a storeroom with over 100 stepladders worth an estimated R100 000.

The consignment was processed and has since been confirmed as coming from a truck that was hijacked in Zonkizizwe, in Katlehong recently and found abandoned in Benoni,” Peters said.

Peters said a further investigation of the premises also led to the recovery of electric cable drums worth about R700 000, and it was determined that they were sold previously to Eskom and The City of Tshwane.

“Still on the scene, the Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU) was activated and the team found a motorcycle that was confirmed as stolen in Ventersdorp in August; and another one was also confirmed as stolen in August in Brakpan,” Peters said.

She added, “Furthermore, the engines of a Nissan NP300 and a Toyota Run-X were found tampered with and the two vehicles were seized. An unlicensed Harley Davidson trailer as well as a petrol trailer were also found.”

Peters went on to say police discovered ten tumble dryers, 15 boxes of sun screen, plastic hand gloves, a variety of table knives, and wrist watches in the storeroom; and have since been confirmed as part of a consignment from a hijacked truck as per a case reported in November in Boksburg North.

Peters said investigations continue as police seek to determine ownership of other suspected stolen property, and establish possible links to more robberies and hijackings.

Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police commissioner said the operation was a significant success in the District’s operation plan to prevent courier van robberies and truck hijackings.

This could be the breakthrough we have been striving for in our concerted effort to bring down trio crimes, especially truck hijackings and courier van robberies. We have seen these incidents go down since the inception of the dedicated task team in the West Rand,” Kekana said.

Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the West Rand District team, and urged them to continue the good work towards making Gauteng a safe place for its residents and visitors.