Members of Titanium Armed Response and the police blitz patrol responded to a panic button alert in Suzanne Street, Protea Heights.
Shift Commander Eddy Harrison says his team immediately headed off to stop the hijacker in sy spore.
“We got a tip-off that the thieves were driving a white Mazda and the guy who drove away in the truck was dropped off with the Mazda,” says Eddy.
“My colleague and I rushed off in two separate vehicles to see if we could cut them off at Bottelary Road, Brackenfell, where thugs usually get rid of their stolen things.”
He says they made contact with the police’s K9 Unit and a car chase ensued.
They caught up with the stolen Nissan Cabstar trokkie in the bush.
“He took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead-end in the bushes. He got out and ran straight into our search team and the K9 Unit,” adds Eddy
“He had driven down Saxton Street, Blackheath, and then had to stop. He was exhausted and did not even have the energy to argue about being arrested.
“We were able to return the truck to its owner.”
BUST: This ou was arrested after he allegedly stole a truck in Brackenfell. CREDIT: Solly Lottering
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Andrè Traut confirms the arrest.
“The 27-year-old suspect from Harare stole the truck in Basset Street, Brackenfell, awakening the owner, who alerted police,” he says.
“The exit routes of the area were immediately covered when he was spotted by a security patrol in Kuils River.
“During the pursuit that followed, he abandoned the truck and was later arrested by members of the K9 Unit while hiding in bushes in Saxton Road. The suspect is expected to make a court appearance in Blue Downs [today].
“The security sector is an important partner of SAPS to strengthen us in curbing crime and it is their contribution which assisted us to reunite the owner with his truck within 15 minutes of the incident.”