- After a series of smash-and-grab incidents on Malibongwe Drive, suspects have been apprehended by officers from the Table View Police Station, aided by viral drone footage capturing a recent crime.
- The footage provided crucial evidence leading to the arrests, bringing much-needed relief to the community.
- Police continue to urge motorists to remain vigilant and secure their valuables.
After a spate of smash-and-grab incidents that left motorists on edge on Malibongwe Drive opposite Dunoon, a significant breakthrough has finally been made.
Suspects involved in these crimes have been apprehended, thanks to officers from the Table View Police Station.
One of the arrests came after a shocking video circulated online of a smash-and-grab incident on Malibongwe Drive.
READ | Smash-and-grabs spike on Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road
The drone footage, which quickly went viral, shows a thief breaking a car window and snatching valuables from inside the vehicle in broad daylight. The alarming incident has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of such crimes in the area, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and vigilance among motorists.
The footage, which quickly spread across social media, provided crucial evidence leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. Local authorities believe this development will bring much-needed relief to the affected areas.
Arrests
“A recent report circulating on social media of criminals targeting motorists on Malibongwe Drive (Milnerton policing precinct) by smashing the windows of the vehicles and grabbing what they could get their hands on, has also contributed towards the arrest of three suspects,” says Table View police spokesperson, Capt Adriana Chandler.
A suspect was brought to book at Table View police station on Tuesday 30 July for an unrelated crime, when another police officer realised the suspect resembled one of the men captured in the social media video. The suspect was questioned and cooperated with police when asked about accomplices involved in the robberies.
On Wednesday 31 July the suspect took officers to two separate locations where the accomplices were found, identified as the suspects in the reported robbery cases, and arrested.
READ | Motorists warned as smash-and-grab incidents on the rise in Table View area
The suspects were taken to Milnerton Police Station where they will be detained until their court appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, once charged.
Chandler says arrests have been made of suspects involved in robberies (smash and grabs) in the Table View precinct of Malibongwe and Potsdam Road in the past, but the problem persists.
“There is constant awareness done by police, the community police forum and neighbourhood watch structures to warn the community of the hotspot areas,” Chandler says.
Extra caution
Police are urging the community to heed extra caution and vigilance when driving their vehicles, approaching intersections along Potsdam and Malibongwe road in the Table View area.
“The majority of these cases reported, indicate that cellphones are grabbed through an open window, where the phone is either left on the dashboard or the victim is speaking on the cellphone whilst stationary at the intersection. It is advised that all valuable items, including cellphones, be locked in the boot of the vehicle before departing to your destination. Make sure that your windows are closed, and doors are locked,” Chandler says.
READ | Table View Police Issue Urgent Alert: Stay Vigilant on Malibongwe Drive Amid Rising Crime Wave
Theft out of motor vehicles at shopping centres have also increased, where the use of jamming devices could not be ruled out, due to no forced entry being noticeable.
“The following tips are useful: make sure that all the doors of your vehicle are locked, by checking each door, before you walk away. Do not leave laptops hidden underneath the front seats. Do not leave items of value in your vehicle,” Chandler says.
