The Police in Ermelo arrested a 35-year-old Police Constable on 16 June 2024 on charges of car hi-jacking of a VW Polo as well as possession of suspected stolen BMW. Thanks to Car Track Company for their assistance with information that was operationalized by the men and women in Blue, resulting in the recovery of the VW Polo.
The charges against the suspect emanates from an incident whereby a 37-year-old man was reportedly hi-jacked of his VW Polo on Saturday, 15 June 2024 as well as being reportedly found in possession of a BMW which was previously stolen in Hluhluwe in the KZN Province earlier this month (June 2024).
According to a report, the complainant was driving from Lothair, heading towards Ermelo. On the way, it is alleged that he gave a lift to two males when he stopped at a certain fuel station in Ermelo. It is said that during the trip, the two males forcefully pushed him to the back seat of his vehicle. It is further indicated that the suspects drove with him on the N11 Road towards Hendrina.
The complainant further alleges that they forced him to provide his pincode for his Bank card. The suspects are said to have contacted their accomplice who came, driving in a BMW with another passenger. The victim was taken to Breyten where an undisclosed amount of cash was withdrawn from his Bank Account via an ATM.
Thereafter, it is said that the as the suspects tried to put the victim at the back of the BMW, he somehow managed to escape and disappeared into the dark.
The complainant reported the matter to the Police in Ermelo.
It was during this period when Car Track Company came on board and shared information on the whereabouts of the vehicle. A chase then ensued and the one driving the VW Polo got away and abandoned the vehicle then fled to evade arrest. It appears as if the driver was alone at that time.
The next day, 16 June 2024, the victim informed the Police that he saw the BMW that was part of the ordeal at a certain Car Wash in Ermelo. The Police in Ermelo never wasted time but swiftly went to the said place and found the suspect as well as the said BMW.
The male suspect was arrested and the vehicle confiscated for further probe. During the tour of the investigation, Police discovered that the BMW was being sought after it was reportedly stolen some days back hence the suspect was charged for possession of suspected stolen vehicle.
The Constable is attached to Ermelo Police Station and works as a Court Orderly at Ermelo Magistrateās Court.
He is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrateās Court on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 facing charges of car hijacking as well as possession of suspected stolen property.
The behaviour of the Police Constable has been strongly condemned by the Police in Mpumalanga and an internal disciplinary steps will be instituted against the member. Meanwhile Police are still in pursuit of the other suspects which are still at large.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The post Police arrest a member on charges of car hi-jacking and possession of suspected stolen vehicle first appeared on South Africa Today.