2 suspects arrested for vehicle theft die in the back of SAPS van after horror crash! Gauteng police have launched a culpable homicide investigation after a tragic accident involving a marked police van and a private vehicle in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
The collision, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of two suspects who were being transported in the police van.
Incident Overview
According to Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the accident occurred while police officers were transporting three suspects recently arrested for motor vehicle theft. The suspects were found in possession of car jammers and various sets of car registration plates.
During the journey, the police van collided with a Hyundai Atos. The impact proved fatal for two of the suspects, who died at the scene. The third suspect sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo confirmed that:
- Five police officers in the van sustained injuries and were also taken to a medical care center.
- The driver of the Hyundai Atos escaped unscathed.
Suspects’ Criminal Activities
The deceased suspects were reportedly involved in motor vehicle theft and were found with tools and items indicative of such crimes. Car jammers—devices often used to interfere with car locking mechanisms—and several false registration plates were discovered in their possession.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo explained that the investigation would proceed to determine the extent of the suspects’ criminal activities and any potential links to other crimes.
Recent Arrests in Gauteng Linked to Car Theft
This incident follows a series of operations targeting car theft and hijacking syndicates in Gauteng. Earlier this month, police arrested three men suspected of being involved in multiple car hijackings across Pretoria and surrounding areas.
The arrests, made on January 14, were the result of a multi-agency operation involving the SAPS Highway Patrol Unit, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, and the Insurance Crime Bureau.
During this operation, authorities:
- Tracked a suspicious vehicle with three occupants in Pretoria Central.
- Recovered a firearm and ammunition during a search.
- Discovered that the vehicle—a hijacked Volkswagen Golf GTI—was reported stolen in Hillbrow and fitted with false registration plates.
Links to Security Firms Under Investigation
Authorities suspect the individuals arrested earlier this month may have connections to a local security company in Pretoria. Investigators are now working to establish the extent of their criminal activities, including any links to organized crime networks or other hijacking incidents in the region.
Legal and Operational Ramifications
The accident has prompted questions about the safety protocols followed when transporting suspects. Police spokesperson Masondo assured the public that the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
The case of culpable homicide against the police officers involved is expected to focus on:
- The circumstances leading to the collision.
- Whether proper procedures were followed during the transportation of the suspects.
Impact on Crime Prevention Efforts
Despite this setback, Gauteng police remain focused on combating car theft and hijacking, crimes that have plagued the province. Operations targeting organized crime networks continue to yield results, such as the arrests earlier this month.
The investigation into the Sunnyside collision underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement and highlights the risks faced by officers in the line of duty.
Conclusion
The fatal accident in Sunnyside has cast a spotlight on the challenges and complexities of law enforcement in South Africa. While efforts to combat motor vehicle theft continue, the incident raises questions about operational safety and accountability.
As investigations proceed, authorities aim to address the legal and operational implications of the accident while maintaining their focus on dismantling car theft syndicates and ensuring safer roads for all.