Cops have uncovered a secret chop shop, hidden in bushes on farmland on the Cape Flats.
Police say three suspected car thieves were arrested in the bust on Saturday.
Cops have called the arrests a “massive success” in the fight against car theft and hijacking.
Sources say a month of intensive crime intelligence policing led to the arrest of the trio, who are aged between 16 and 34 years old.
The group were busted in Punt Road, Philippi, at 8.30pm on Saturday after members of the Crime Intelligence Unit swooped on them and allegedly found them with a stash of stolen car parts.
The men made their first appearance at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on a charge of the possession of suspected stolen property yesterday.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana say the suspects were positively linked to a stolen vehicle in Mowbray, and more arrests are on the cards.
Police sources say undercover cops have been staking out the illegal operation for weeks before nabbing the diewe.
The group is believed to specialise in Toyota parts and cleverly hid the parts under tree roots and shrubs.
Number plates, tyres, entire stripped cars and even engines were found at the scene.
Confirming the arrests, Rwexana says: “On Saturday, 8 July at 8.30pm, three men aged between 16 and 34 years old were arrested in Punt Road, Philippi, on a Mowbray case involving a stolen vehicle.
“The male suspects subsequently appeared in Athlone Magistrates’ Court on the charge of possession of suspected stolen property.”
A police source tells the Daily Voice they are happy their hard work has paid off.
“This chop shop was monitored for more than a month,” says the source.
“At this weekend the operation proved fruitful after crime intelligence teams and radio call teams worked together.
“We are also thankful to members of the public for their assistance. They can expect more arrests in the future.”
The source did not want to reveal any more information on the matter as investigations are still ongoing.