The theft of motor bikes across the Nelson Mandela Bay metro has once again triggered a concern for police as four motorbikes were stolen since Sunday, 20 November.
The SAPS Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in Gqeberha suspect that a syndicate may be operating in the area, said Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, police spokesperson.
“The bikes are either loaded onto a trailer or onto the back of a bakkie before being driven away. Investigations also revealed that these bikes are also dissembled before being transported out of the metro” she said.
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On Friday evening, 25 November at about 20:40, SAPS Cookhouse Crime Prevention members made a significant breakthrough when they arrested two suspects on the N10 about 25km outside Cookhouse.
“It is alleged that the members received information of a white bakkie traveling from Gqeberha towards Cookhouse, allegedly in possession of suspected stolen motorbikes. The members waited for the vehicle and as soon as it was spotted, a chase ensued. They succeeded in stopping the fleeing vehicle and on searching the vehicle, they found dissembled motorbike parts.”
These parts were hidden underneath bags of potatoes and chip packets. Other parts including the wheels and petrol tanks were found concealed in a mattress as well as in the base of the mattress.
The motorbikes that were recovered included a white Yamaha, black KTM, white BMW, red Honda and a blue Suzuki with an estimated value of R500 000.
“Four motorbikes were stolen between Sunday, 20 November and Thursday 24 November while the fifth motorbike was stolen on 1 November in Sunridge. The bikes were reported stolen in the Mount Road, Walmer and Kabega Park areas respectively.”
The two suspects, aged 30 and 42, were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and will appear in the Somerset East Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 November. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the members of SAPS Cookhouse for the arrests and confiscations.
“We are aware that the high-end motorbikes were being transported out of the metro and these arrests will definitely influence our investigations of motorbikes in our metro. There is definitely a market for motorbikes, hence we urge owners to take extra precautionary security measures in safeguarding their motorbikes,” added Ncata.
ISSUED BY SAPS
