Cops say they have nabbed three skelms who have been running a car remote jamming syndicate in Observatory and stealing goods out of vehicles.
The trio’s luck ran out on Thursday when Woodstock cops from the Crime Prevention Unit were following up on a lead about the ring after the men’s
suspicious-looking vehicle was spotted in the streets of Obs.
Woodstock SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Hilton Malila, says the suspects tried to flee when they spotted the police and a chase ensued.
The skelms stopped their car and tried to run in different directions, but were nabbed.
Police searched the car and found live ammunition, a remote jamming device and a stolen laptop.
Cops later discovered the laptop belongs to a victim who had parked her car along Lower Main Road in Observatory.
The thieves had used the jamming device to interfere with her car alarm and locking system and swiped her laptop.
Malila says cops, busy with crime prevention patrols, were tipped off about a suspicious vehicle.
CUSTODY: SAPS’ Hilton Malila. Photo: Supplied
“The police officers spotted the car. While pursuing the vehicle, which sped off in the direction of Voortrekker Road, it was stopped after a short high-speed chase,” he says.
“The occupants tried to elude the officers, but swift reaction led to the apprehension of the three men.
“During a search of the vehicle, officers confiscated one live round of ammunition, remote jamming devices and a laptop.
He says the woman, whose laptop was stolen, came to the cop shop later that day to open a case.
“It’s alleged the suspects followed the complainant to where she parked her vehicle and used the remote jamming devices to gain entry to the vehicle, whereby the laptop was removed,” adds Malila.
“All the suspects are currently in police custody and are due to appear in the Cape Town’s Magistrates’ Court on charges related to theft out of motor vehicle, possession of ammunition and car breaking implements, once charged.”
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za