A traffic officer was on his way home on Spine
Road in Khayelitsha shortly after midnight when a man ran up to him to report a
hijacking. The vehicle was still on the road, with two suspects inside trying
to start it.
When the officer approached, the suspects tried
to escape, but he was able to catch one of them, while the other got away.
In addition, traffic officers arrested two drivers from the Top One Hundred list. The first driver was taken into custody on Truthall Road in Kenwyn during a warrant operation.
He had twelve outstanding warrants totaling
fifty-two thousand six hundred rand. The second driver was arrested in Athlone
during warrant checks, with thirty-one outstanding warrants valued at one
hundred seventy-three thousand nine hundred fifty rand.
City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and
Security, JP Smith raised concerns about the increase in vehicle hijacking in
the metro.
‘‘I commend our traffic officer going beyond
the call of duty – his quick response has resulted in a criminal behind bars,
and a vehicle back with its rightful owner. Vehicle hijacking is worrying as it
often is accompanied by other crimes, which includes the vehicles being used in
more felonies. I want to encourage drivers to be aware of their surroundings
and to keep emergency numbers on speed dial. It is more than just a job to our
dedicated men and women in uniform, and this should serve as a warning to those
who intend on breaking the law. Our officers will continue to arrest criminals
who pose a threat to the safety and security of others,’’ said Smith.
Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen
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