Three truck wheel thieves are expected to appear in court on Monday after they were caught red-handed stripping a truck of its wheels on the N7 near Garies in the Northern Cape.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said that an off duty police officer, Sergeant JH De Waal, received a call of a theft from motor vehicle in progress and responded.
“On Friday, 08 July 2022 the owner of the truck, contacted Sergeant De Waal, to inform him about unknown men with a white Ford Ranger, who were busy stripping his truck of its tyres on the N7.
“Sergeant De Waal immediately activated backup as he was off-duty at the time. Members from Garies police station came to offer assistance at the alleged theft complaint.
“The suspects fled the scene when they realised that the police were closing in on them. A high speed chase ensued between the police and the suspects in a Ford Ranger,” said Captain Tawana.
The suspects allegedly lost control of their vehicle and crashed into a pole, abandoned the bakkie and fled the scene.
“The police pursued and chased them on foot and apprehended three suspects in the veld,” added Tawana.
Five truck wheels to value of R40 000, were recovered loaded in the Ford Ranger Bakkie.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that the bakkie was found driving with false number plates including license disc.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Garies Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 July 2022 on a charge of theft from a motor vehicle and fraud.
Acting District Commissioner of Namakwa, Colonel Schalk Andrews praised Sgt De Waal for his tactical and prompt response leading to the arrest of the three suspects and recovery of the stolen tyres.
