The BMW that was reportedly stolen in KZN
By Kopano Dibakwane
Two reportedly stolen vehicles were recovered following the arrest of a 35 year-old police constable who works at Ermelo police station on 16 June.
The constable, who also works as a Court Orderly at Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, was reportedly charged with car hi-jacking and possession of a stolen vehicle.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the suspect was allegedly involved in a hi-jacking incident of a VW Polo which belongs to a 37 year-old man on Saturday 15 June, as well as being found in possession of a BMW which was reportedly stolen in Hluhluwe(KwaZulu-Natal) earlier this month.
“ According to a report, the complainant was driving from Lothair, heading towards Ermelo. 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,” said Mdhluli.
He said that the complainant was forced, by the suspects, to provide his Bank pin code. The complainant further alleged that the suspects contacted their accomplice, who came driving in a BMW alongside another passenger.
“ The victim was taken to Breyten where an undisclosed amount of cash was withdrawn from his Bank account via ATM. It is said that 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,” said Mdhluli.
According to Mdhluli, the VW Polo was later recovered after Car Track Company shared information on the whereabouts of the car, which led to the suspect abandoning the car and fleeing to evade arrest during a chase by the police.
Mdhluli said that the complainant spotted the the BMW on the following day at a car wash in Ermelo after the hi-jacking incident. The police reportedly acted swiftly and headed to the said car wash where the suspect was subsequently arrested.
“ The vehicle(BMW) was confiscated for further probe. He(the constable) is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
“ Internal disciplinary steps will be instituted against the member. Meanwhile police are still in pursuit of the other suspects which are still at large,” said Mdhluli.
