The Garies police arrested three suspects for theft after a high-speed chase on Friday, thanks to the quick reaction of an off-duty police officer.
THE GARIES police arrested three suspects for theft after a high-speed chase on Friday, thanks to the quick reaction of an off-duty police officer.
The owner of a truck contacted Sergeant Jonathan de Waal about tyres being stripped from his vehicle on the N7.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said the suspects were pounced on after De Waal activated back-up upon being informed about the crime.
Members from Garies police station went to offer assistance after the theft complaint.
Tawana said that upon realisation that the police were closing in on them, the suspects fled the scene in a Ford Ranger, which resulted in the high-speed chase.
“The suspects lost control and drove 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,” said Tawana.
“Five truck wheels to the value of R40,000 that were loaded in the Ford Ranger bakkie were recovered.”
Tawana added that upon further investigation, it was discovered that the bakkie had false number plates as well as licence disc.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Garies Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of theft from motor vehicle and fraud.
The acting district commissioner of Namakwa, Colonel Schalk Andrews, lauded De Waal for “acting tactically and promptly” regardless of being off duty.
