Smash-and-grab victim swiftly assisted by police

Wits University student, Chiron Loubser (21) was assisted by Parkview SAPS after a smash-and-grab incident along Barry Hertzog Avenue in Milpark on 12 May.

The police, who were in an unmarked vehicle, were successful in apprehending a 40-year-old male suspect.

Communication officer of Parkview Police, Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha said that the officers were on their way to work when they noticed three unidentified males getting into a stationary red VW Golf parked on the side of the road.

“One of them was holding what appeared to be a woman’s handbag, the officers then made a U-turn and pursued the vehicle which was evidently driving away,” Ramovah recalled.

“After successfully pulling it over, the two occupants, who were seated in the backseat, alighted and ran away leaving behind the 40-year-old driver who was arrested on the spot for being in possession of suspected stolen property,” he added.

Ramovha said the police found a visibly shaken Loubser who happened to be the victim of a smash-and-grab.

“She then positively identified the handbag as hers with everything still intact,” said Ramovha.

Loubser said she was impressed with the police when she received her bag.

“It is so amazing that the police who helped me were not on duty, but they took the time to get my things back,” she said.

Ramovha warns that the streets corners of Barry Hertzog and Empire remain a smash-and-grab hotspot.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant around this area and, most importantly, to ensure that valuables are out of sight at all times,” said Ramovha.

The suspect will appear in Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court to face charges of alleged theft and possession of suspected stolen property.