The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) says it is investigating an incident where one of its patrol cars was stolen while officers were attending to a scene in Soweto on Sunday night.
“An internal investigation will be conducted following an incident where a JMPD patrol car was driven away by suspects in Senaoane, Soweto, on Sunday night,” JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said.
Minnaar said the car was stolen as the JMPD officers got out of the vehicle to investigate a complaint about a tent that was erected in the road.
THEFT OF MV : PHIRI. SOWETO. COJ. GP. FULLY BRANDED JMPD TOYOTA CORLLA QUEST. FG21CGGP. @SAPoliceService @GTP_Traffstats @TrafficRTMC @JoburgMPD @TMPDSafety @cci_network pic.twitter.com/0fOfzXXD7C
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) December 27, 2021
As the officers were speaking to residents in the area, the suspects got into the JMPD car and drove away with it.
“The patrol car was found abandoned in Chiawelo following a search,” said Minnaar.
“The right front and rear wheels were damaged as well as the front bumper.”
A case of theft and vandalism has been opened at Moroka Police Station.
Social media reacts
The incident has drawn scorn on Twitter, with most lamenting how brazen criminals have become in South Africa.
I’m not surprised…. If criminals can rob a police station of guns & ammunition what about a lone JMPD vehicle on the street.,,?
Think about… this can only happen in Mzansi.— Gatsheni (@sifisobw) December 27, 2021
So how do we stop at night for police😫 especially in awkward areas 😡😡😡
— 🦂OkaMzilikazi Khumalo (@Zama30162777) December 27, 2021
I bet you he left the keys in the ignition and thought no one would dare… Take away his badge.
— Cookoo (@Cookoo98239664) December 27, 2021
Lol. Then we expect them to protect citizens.. pic.twitter.com/TxrEC7Ulv6
— TheFosgate (@Thando_Fosgate) December 27, 2021
I guess it’s safe to say that the vw Polo cars that belong to the metro police are going to be stolen 😑
— MC Nkuly (@nkulyblessing) December 27, 2021
Seven arrested for dealing in stolen vehicles
Meanwhile, seven suspects have been arrested since Thursday for allegedly being part of a vehicle theft syndicate.
“Daniel Magata (37), Thobile Silindane (34) and Kgaugelo Kubeka (26) were arrested on Thursday, 23 December 2021, in Soweto and Langlaagte after being linked to 36 cases of motor vehicle theft, 17 counts of fraudulent face value documents and two counts of possession of suspected stolen properties,” said police spokesperson Captain Sam Tselanyane.
Four more suspects were also arrested in Mmabatho, Setlagole and Madibogo.
-The Citizen
In other news – Actress Natasha Thahane speaks on her life as Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s granddaughter
Actress Natasha Thahane is popular for her work on Skeem Saam, Saints and Sinners and now The Queen. The actress also happens to be the granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She lets us into their lives.
The Soweto-born artist used to live with her grandfather. At 16, she moved in with him in Cape Town so she could study at Middleton High School. I call him “Khulu” and our relationship grew stronger when I moved in with him and his wife, my grandmother, Leah. Learn More
