A high-speed chase is something you often see in Hollywood movies, but for residents in a quiet suburb in Cradock in the Eastern Cape, this became reality when a car came crashing down a street on Sunday, 16 April.
The dramatic events happened around 13:27 when the suspect of an alleged stolen vehicle lost control of the Mercedes Benz in Metcalf Road, narrowly missing four children as they walk along the sidewalk.
On video footage of the incident, the children can be seen running off in different directions as the car comes rolling directly towards them.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, it is alleged that Cradock K9 and Graaff-Reinet K9 units received information of a white Mercedes Benz that was stolen in George.
She said the vehicle was travelling from Graaff-Reinet towards Middelburg when it was spotted.
“The mentioned K9 members – involved with the assistance of a private security company – operationalised the information,” said Janse van Rensburg.
According to the owner of Cradock Security, Ivan Stock, two members of his security team were positioned on the N10 Cradock towards Middelburg awaiting the vehicle to enter the town.
“CDK Security members spotted the vehicle and quickly pursued and informed Cradock SAPS members,” Stock explained.
Janse van Rensburg added the driver of the Mercedes Benz noticed that he was being followed and a high-speed chase ensued through the streets of Cradock.
“During the high-speed chase the suspect lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn,” said Janse van Rensburg.
CCTV footage shows the driver ignoring a Stop sign in Metcalf Road and swerving out for an oncoming vehicle. This vehicle then made slight contact with the Mercedes Benz, which caused the driver to lose control of the car.
Janse van Rensburg said the suspect was arrested and charged for being in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was also confiscated.
According to Stock, he was driving the white bakkie seen chasing the suspected stolen vehicle in the video. Both him and his son Ivan Stock (junior) were the first on the scene.
“Criminals must never feel that they can pass through our small towns unnoticed – they will feel our presence,” Stock said.
