Bontas boewe dodging metro police

Criminals are becoming more brazen with no regard for authority as a smash and grab incident occurred on Jakes Gerwel Drive metres from a metro police roadblock on Wednesday around 12.30pm.

A video circulating online shows the passenger window of a blue Renault car with a female driver smashed. Meanwhile, metres away, is a roadblock where officers are writing out fines to drivers.

A man taking the video could be heard saying: “Guys look where the police are. 

“This lady has now been smashed and grabbed at the robot. Look here, they’re busy keeping roadblocks here, but smash and grabs are happening there.” 

Metro Police Department spokesperson, Superintendent Ruth Solomons said that efforts to address smash and grab incidents as Jakes Gerwel Drive is a hotspot and the Metro Police department conducts roving patrols along this stretch of road daily.

"The Metro Police Department can confirm that officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint along Jakes Gerwel Drive, between the footbridge and Jakkalsvlei Avenue.

"The smash and grab incident occurred while the motorist was stationary at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel and Bluegum Road. The motorist drove towards Metro Police officers after the incident and they then provided assistance.

Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie said most smash and grabbers are repeat offenders because mense only report crimes for insurance claims and don't follow up in court cases. 

He explained: “Another significant challenge we face is that many of these incidents go unreported through the proper channels. In most cases, people post about them on WhatsApp or community groups, but they do not phone the City’s emergency number or open criminal cases. 

“What’s also concerning is that many victims of smash-and-grabs only report the incident for insurance purposes and do not proceed with a criminal case.

"This often means suspects who are arrested cannot be successfully prosecuted, as victims are unwilling or unable to attend court proceedings. As a result, these criminals often continue their activities elsewhere."