A truck thief was convicted of theft of motor vehicle and reckless driving in the Durban Regional Court, and sentenced to seven years imprisonment on Friday, 13 November. He is part of a syndicate who scouted for the vehicle, a Toyota Dyna truck valued at R160 000.
It was hijacked in the Cato Manor area at about 3.30am on 15 September and tracked as mobile on the N2 Southbound approaching Toti. A pursuit ensued on the N2 by the tracking company and, after information was circulated over radio networks, ET, CCPO, Blue Security, SAPS and Metro Police joined in.
A shootout took place between members and the suspects, who lost control of the truck and crashed by the Seadoone Road off-ramp, which lead to the apprehension of one and the recovery of the truck.
ET Rapid Response South Coast managing member, Tony Lokker said in sentencing the accused, the court took into account the premeditation of the syndicate; the economic harm to owners and the insurance industry; the damages caused to the vehicle which the complainant had to sustain: fleeing from law enforcement; that it was a business vehicle; and that vehicle theft is so prevalent.
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Well done to specialist prosecutor Ronitha Singh for her commitment and Capt Hlelha of Cato Manor SAPS, for bringing his commitment and experience to the investigation. The true heroes are our law enforcement officers, the state and civilian champions, who put themselves at risk every day to maintain the rule of law.”
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