Mitchell’s Plain police have warned that theft out of motor vehicles are increasing in certain sectors, including the Town Centre.
Police are urging the community to take precautions in safeguarding their vehicles, by ensuring nothing valuable is visible, that windows are closed and locked, alarms activated, gear locks on, making sure that the vehicle is parked in a safe space, to note guards looking after your vehicle, to observe loiterers in parking areas, to regularly check in on your vehicle if possible and to preferably park where there are cameras.
Targeted items include batteries, wipers, sound systems and spare wheels, said Captain Ian Williams, spokesperson for Mitchell’s Plain SAPS.
Police are also investigating a break-in at Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School in Beacon Valley at the weekend.
Teachers and pupils arrived at school on Monday April 29 to find the school’s doors open and things scattered.
Teacher Zainab Floris said an industrial polishing machine, a laminating machine and pockets, a laptop and nine computers, the alarm system, wall clocks, fans, about 70 reams of paper, stationery, staplers and toiletries were all stolen. She said their phone lines were also cut.
Captain Williams said no one has been arrested yet.
“Police are investigating a case of business burglary,” he said.
Also on Monday April 29, Mitchell’s Plain SAPS found an imitation firearm in the possession of a 26-year-old gang member in Essenhout Street, Eastridge.
The suspect is expected to appear in court tomorrow, Thursday May 2.
In other arrests last week, Mitchell’s Plain police arrested a 23-year-old man on a charge of possession of presumed stolen vehicle after they found a white stolen Nissan 1400 bakkie with registration CA 727 785 in Erica Way, Tafelsig, at 2.05am on Tuesday April 23.
The matter is being investigated by SAPS’ vehicle theft unit.
Mitchell’s Plain police also caught a 21-year-old man in Lords Street, Beacon Valley, on Tuesday April 23 at 8.10am with a black 9mm Browning firearm with serial number 29289 and one magazine with four live rounds of ammunition. The suspect shot a 27-year-old man who was lying on the ground in the right arm.
He ran when he saw police but was arrested.
Police are investigating a case of attempted murder.
Mitchell’s Plain police found 200 mandrax tablets, two plastic bags of cocaine and confiscated R860 in Rocklands on Sunday April 21.
Police noticed a 34-year-old man in Cedars Avenue, at 4.20pm, who was standing on the field with a black bag.
He ran when he saw police and hung the black bag onto a tree, and walked away from it.
Police stopped him and took him back to the bag and found the drugs.
Police arrested the man who faces a charge of possession of drugs.
Mitchell’s Plain SAPS have also warned the community against making false statements or giving false evidence to police. This is a criminal offence and perjury is punishable by law, said Captain Williams.
Colonel Jacobus Fredericks, who is acting Mitchell’s Plain station commander while Brigadier Cass Goolam is on leave, called on the community to help the police prevent and combat crime.
“Building stronger relationships and partnering with the community of Mitchell’s Plain SAPS Cluster form part of our partnership policing plan.
“We need our communities to support us and to take a stand against crime by reporting crime,” said Colonel Fredericks.
Crime can be reported by calling Mitchell’s Plain police station on 021 370 1600, Lentegeur police station on 021 377 5042, Strandfontein police station on 021 370 1500, sending an SMS to 35395 or call Crime Stop on 0860 10111.