Police in Kraaifontein recovered stolen vehicles and car parts during an operation on Monday, 20 January 2025. The action took place in the Covid informal settlement and resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old man.
Acting on a tip off about a possible storage site for stolen vehicles, police launched an investigation. Their efforts led them to a shack in the settlement, where they found several vehicles and began inspecting them.
A resident from the area said they don’t sleep at night because of the chop shop in their area where stolen vehicles are chopped down into pieces. “We thank God these people have been arrested. In the afternoon they go around and steal these cars and at night they chop them and strip engines. This has been going on for some time now, we are happy that cops have dealt with the suspects. Maybe we can sleep better,” said the source.
Among the recovered items was a Toyota Hilux, stolen from Muizenberg, and a Nissan double cab, taken from Kleinvlei. Further search led officers to another shack, where they discovered parts from a Toyota Yaris and a VW Polo. The vehicles and several registration documents were also seized.
The suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property. He will appear in Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court once charged.