Police bust suspected car thief in Centurion

Lyttelton police and E2 security arrested a suspected car thief in Elarduspark, Centurion, on Wednesday, May 8.

Police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Johan van Dyk said the suspect was captured shortly after police were issued a “be-on-the-lookout” for a red Renault Clio linked to a car theft in Brooklyn.

Van Dyk said the suspect had broken into one vehicle and was attempting to break into another when the alert was issued.

He said the Lyttelton SAPS and local security companies sprung into action and searched for the vehicle.

“During the search, members of Lyttelton Sector 1 spotted the vehicle,” he said.

He said the suspect immediately made a u-turn then sped away when he realised police were after him.

He said the suspect drove against oncoming traffic and on to pavements, endangering the lives of evening joggers who had to dive out of the way to avoid being hit.

“The pursuing Lyttelton police had no choice but to escalate their tactical measures to stop the escape,” he said.

He said that after a while, the suspect stopped.

Van Dyk said police officers executed a hard tactical takedown, swiftly apprehended the suspect, and placed him in handcuffs.

“The local security companies and CPF arrived shortly thereafter to back-up police,” he said.

He said the suspect faces charges of possession of stolen property, possession of car-breaking equipment, and theft of a motor vehicle.

“The units involved in the operation included Lyttelton police, Doringkloof Security Services (DSS), Sector 4 CPF, Axon, Bull, Brinant, and the Strategic Response Unit (SRU),” he said.

Van Dyk said the suspect will appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court within 48 hours.

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