Private security guards managed to catch a skelm who stole a car at a popular Cape Flats mall.
Security guards from the TSU Protection Services are being lauded after they managed to apprehend the suspect after he allegedly stole a vehicle at Vangate Mall in Athlone on Friday.
The silver Mazda Sting was stolen from the parking area but within hours the suspect, apparently trying to make his way to Mitchells Plain, was caught just after 4pm.
Members of the TSU’s K9-Unit spotted the stolen car opposite the Usave along Morgenster in Mitchells Plain.
Guards made their way to the vehicle where they found the suspect sitting inside.
The suspect was pictured lying face down next to the stolen vehicle, wearing a white fez.
He was immediately arrested by police.
The suspect is currently detained at Lentegeur Police Station.
TSU Protection Services Operations Manager, Corne Vermeulen, commended his team.
“Our team was notified about a car hijacking at Vangate Mall and were on the lookout.
“TSU K9-Unit found the suspect and made the arrest.
VAS: Thief and Mazda
“The police came to assist and a case was opened at Lentegeur SAPS, the vehicle was recovered and returned,” Vermeulen says.
He says his team has made five arrests over the weekend, all involving stolen vehicles.
“The team that caught this suspect is one of six teams roaming the area. This specific team is dedicated and they’re doing a brilliant job,” he says.
“This weekend, they had about five vehicle recoveries including arrests. I am very proud of them.”
Police did not respond to queries by time of print.