A JOINT operation between the police and private security companies led to the arrest of three suspects in Montclair, linked to an ongoing investigation into vehicle parts theft.

The sting operation was conducted at Umlazi N Section where a chop shop with Volkswagen vehicle parts was discovered on July 8.

The vehicle parts that had been stolen include:

• Door panels for VW Polos,
• Dashboards,
• Suspensions,
• Bumpers,
• Pedals, steering wheels,
• Side and rear mirrors.

The eThekwini District Task Team conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Umlazi ‘N’ Section where a chop shop with Volkswagen vehicle parts was discovered.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the crime intelligence officers had been working hard to source information.

Magwaza said a number of Volkswagen vehicles were either stolen or hijacked in Durban and surrounding areas such as:

• Sydenham
• Berea
• Umbilo
• Hillcrest and Pinetown.

“The many hours of hard work put in by members proved fruitful as information received was verified and certified to be truthful.

“The intelligence received was then operationalised and members pounced at the targeted address at Umlazi. Initial investigation at the premises revealed that the property is rented out to tenants. The individual who was the subject of interest for the police during this operation was not in his rented room when police pounced,” said Magwaza.

The police search uncovered a large amount of suspected stolen vehicle parts, including door panels for VW Polos, dashboards, suspensions, bumpers, pedals, steering wheels, and side and rear mirrors.

A further search led to the recovery of an engine for a vehicle which was reported stolen vehicle in Pinetown in November, 2024.

The police said other vehicle engines checked during the operation were found to have been tampered with. A set of number plates in the premises also came up as belonging to a vehicle stolen in the Berea policing precinct in September, 2024.

Kival Singh for Security Force said, “The suspects were found residing at a Bed and Breakfast in Montclair area, where they were found to be in possession of multiple vehicle theft implements, including a jammer and other specialised equipment. All items were handed over to police for further investigation.”

Magwaza added that on-scene investigations pointed to the possibility that the suspected person in this matter was conducting vehicle parts sales in the rented premises.

“All the suspected vehicle parts were seized for further investigations and the search for the suspect is underway,” Magwaza added.

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