Port Shepstone VCIU makes a dent in vehicle crime
The suspect arrested by police was linked to six cases which included car hijacking, theft of motor vehicle, theft of firearm and 19 counts of fraud.
Port Shepstone Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU) together with Kokstad VCIU recently conducted an operation in the Harry Gwala District, focusing primarily on areas such as Umzimkhulu, Ixopo, Donnybrook, Creighton and Highflats.
The first day of the operation saw the recovery of a white Toyota Hilux with an ND registration. Upon examining the vehicle at the roadblock, the original chassis and engine numbers revealed that it had been hijacked in Amanzimtoti in 2018.
The lack of a licence disc and number plates aroused further suspicion.
The driver led police to the owner in K Section in Umlazi where a white Opel Corsa bakkie was parked on the premises.
Investigations showed the Corsa had been stolen in Wentworth in 2017.
Siyabonga Dladla was arrested and subsequent profiling by Captain Adam Draai revealed that there were at least three outstanding warrants of arrest for cases in Cato Manor, Durban Central and Melmoth.
Dladla was thus linked to six cases which included car hijacking, theft of motor vehicle, theft of firearm and 19 counts of fraud.
He appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on July 8 where he pleaded guilty to three of the cases.
He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for each case. The sentence will run concurrently.
At least three other cases are still under investigation, and Dladla is expected to face further charges shortly.
Ugu District Commander, Major General Sethenya Nxamagele applauded the unit for its constant efforts in fighting vehicle-related crimes.
Special mention was made of Captain Draai who tenaciously and effectively investigated this career criminal, bringing him to justice.
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