Stolen Hilux recovered quickly
Garsfontein man praises police’s quick reactions in recovering his stolen bakkie.
Kristian Meijer and Gopolang Chawane
A mere two hours after his Toyota Hilux single cab was stolen from his home in the early hours of Saturday morning, a Garsfontein man heard that his vehicle had been found.
“I couldn’t believe they found my vehicle so quickly. The police really did an incredible job,” said Gawie Wolmarans.
The vehicle was recovered after a chase that ensued while police were out looking for another stolen vehicle.
Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller said members of the station’s crime prevention unit, reservists and Tracker employees spotted the stolen car.
Their attention was drawn by a Toyota Hilux driving past them. It was being followed by a Hyundai Santa Fé.
The police gave chase and pulled over the driver of the Santa Fé as the Hilux sped off.
“The reservists and Tracker followed the Toyota to the Wierdabrug police area. The stolen vehicle then skipped a red light and crashed into a wall,” said Miller.
The driver and passenger in the Hilux escaped, but the driver of the Santa Fé was arrested when found in possession of Wolmarans’ laptop and sunglasses.
Tools used to steal vehicles were also seized.
The man appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on theft and other charges.
Wolmarans was still to be reunited with his bakkie on Wednesday, but said he was thankful for the police’s quick response.
“Most importantly of all, the police recovered my work laptop and sunglasses. I am so thankful for everything they did,” he said.
“I would love to thank officers De Beer and De Klerk as well as Kobus from Tracker for helping get back my vehicle.”
Unfortunately, most of the dashboard of the Hilux was stripped while the thieves were driving away.
The bonnet was also cut open to get access to the immobiliser before it was stolen.
“In a situation like this, it is safe to assume the vehicle would have been stripped for parts,” said Miller.
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