Suspected quad bike thieves nabbed in Schuinshoogte
They were caught allegedly stripping a stolen quad bike.
Two suspected bike thieves were arrested on Wednesday evening (September 30) after being caught allegedly stripping a stolen quad bike in an open field in Schuinshoogte.
According to Mornè Potgieter of Ithemba Security, they were informed of the stolen quad bike on Tuesday evening.
“Ithemba immediately acted on the intelligence and initiated an investigation,” said Potgieter.
He further explained that Newcastle and its surrounding areas had been experiencing a number of motorcycle and quad bike thefts. The information gathered indicated the possible involvement of an organised crime syndicate operating in the area.
Operation tracks down stolen bike
Potgieter explained that, with existing intelligence providing insight into the suspected syndicate’s methods and likely next movements, Ithemba’s specialised teams followed up on several leads, which included the deployment of advanced technology.
“This ultimately led to the positive identification of the stolen quad bike’s whereabouts.”
The information they had was immediately shared with the SAPS Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, which sparked a multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven operation.
On Wednesday evening, Ithemba’s covert personnel, together with the SAPS, carried out a carefully co-ordinated surveillance and stakeout operation within Schuinshoogte.
Two suspected syndicate members were arrested while allegedly stripping the stolen quad bike in an open field.
According to Potgieter, the investigation remains active, with operational teams pursuing all additional leads.
“Further arrests may follow as efforts continue to identify and locate other suspected members of the network.”
Potgieter thanks the following units involved in the arrests:
- Ithemba Security Specialised Intervention;
- Ithemba Security Armed Response;
- Ithemba Security Tracing Team;
- South African Police Service Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit;
- Amajuba District Crime Fighters Task Team.
Potgieter said the operation does not just end with the recovery of one stolen quad bike.
“Working alongside law-enforcement partners, the team remains focused on gathering intelligence and disrupting the broader criminal network suspected of being responsible for similar crimes in the area,” he concluded.
