Two suspects were arrested after a taxi and shuttle services vehicle was stolen in a reported carjacking and recovered in Strand shortly after the incident on Thursday (25 August).
Thanks to the swift response of authorities and armed response officers of Gordon’s Bay Security (GBSec), the vehicle, a white Toyota Etios, was successfully traced to Sercor Park where the suspects were allegedly hiding.
“The vehicle was already in the process of being stripped when armed response officers arrived on the scene,” said De Waal. “In an attempt to flee, numerous suspects were successfully nabbed and arrested in connection with the incident.”
Strand police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nico Beukes, said the commendable crime-fighting action follows after the Strand Taxi vehicle was targeted on the corner of Broadway Boulevard and Disa Road in Strand around 15:30. Beukes said the driver allegedly responded to a call for a pick up in Jasmine Street when he fell victim to the suspected carjackers. “At the location, he allegedly collected two men who requested to be taken to a convenience store in Gordon’s Bay. En route to the destination, the passengers apparently plucked out a firearm and commanded that the vehicle be turned around and steered toward a bus stop in Broadway Boulevard, where they instructed the driver exit the car before speeding off with the motor vehicle,” he said.
“Two suspects were arrested after they were found in a dwelling with items including an undisclosed amount of money and a black wallet fitting the description of that looted in the incident, in their possession. Police also seized cigarettes and a toy gun.”
The suspects, two men believed to be from Sercor Park and Gustrouw respectively, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of stolen property and possession of an imitation firearm on Monday (29 August).
“What happened to one of our employees, who is merely an office worker that was sent out in response to the call-out, is shocking. We pride ourselves in offering a reputable service to the community and the response which resulted in the vehicle recovery and arrest of two suspects is commendable,” said the manager, adding that the driver, while shaken, is thankfully unscathed.
