GQEBERHA – In a swift response to community-driven intelligence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) successfully apprehended two suspects for the possession of suspected stolen tyres valued at R3 million and illegal possession of ammunition in Sidwell on Tuesday, 03 October 2023.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, the arrests were made following a tip-off from vigilant community members who alerted the SAPS Algoa Park and Gqeberha Flying Squad about suspicious activity in Patience Street, Sidwell.
“It is alleged that on the abovementioned date at approximately 20:00, SAPS Algoa Park and Gqeberha Flying Squad received information from the community that suspected stolen tyres were being offloaded in Patience Street, Sidwell,” said Captain Van Rensburg.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers observed two individuals unloading truck tyres.
Prompt intervention by the officers led to the discovery and subsequent confiscation of 193 brand new truck tyres and a firearm magazine loaded with live rounds of ammunition.
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Two suspects, aged 51 and 53, were taken into custody on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and illegal possession of ammunition.
The truck used for transporting the tires was also impounded for further investigation.
In a separate incident occurring on the same evening, Public Order Policing received information regarding suspected stolen property, specifically tyres, being stored at an abandoned building in Govan Mbeki Avenue, Central.
Acting swiftly on this lead, authorities seized a total of 196 brand new tyres.
However, no arrests were made in connection with this particular case.
Further investigation revealed that the confiscated tyres, with an estimated value of R3 million, belonged to a local tyre manufacturing company, raising concerns about potential theft and illicit trading within the industry.
The two suspects arrested in the Sidwell case are scheduled to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate Court during the week.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies committed to unraveling any potential links to organized criminal activities.
Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg commended the community for their active involvement in providing crucial information to the police, stating, “This operation demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.”
The SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting crime and upholding the rule of law, and these recent arrests underscore their dedication to these principles.
