PE Police urge businesses to step up on security

Having launched operation Fiela Reclaim II, in Kwazakele Port Elizabeth on Friday, 9 February 2018, the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga indicated that: “We, the SAPS will be stamping the authority of the State and that we will be re-claiming the space. Criminals who think that they have dominion over the SAPS must start running backwards as we are hot on your heels.”

Police are urging business in the Nelson Mandela Metro to take heed in ensuring the safety and security of their business and assets. This appeal once again comes in the wake of an armed robbery which allegedly took place on Friday, 9 February 2018 at a business premises in Kabega Park. It is alleged that at about 22:00, the two security guards on duty, aged 32 and 25 years old were threatened by 5 suspects (one armed with a firearm). Keys to several brand new VW vehicles were taken from a locked office and driven away by the suspects. The company is contracted to store these vehicles before transporting them to their respective destinations throughout the country. The suspects locked the guards in a VW Caddy before driving off. The company will be doing a stock take to determine the exact number of vehicles taken. At this stage 5 (3-white VW Polos, 1- silver VW Polo and a white Caddy) is confirmed stolen.

The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit is investigating a case of armed robbery. The Unit is also investigating two cases whereby motor vehicles were taken during last week in Kwanobuhle and Kamesh respectively. On 7 February 2018, a blue VW Polo was taken in a house robbery in Kwanobule and the vehicle was found burnt out in Matanzima Street Kwanobuhle. On 9 February 2018 at about 01:00, a red VW Polo was taken from a house in Kamesh. The vehicle was also found partially burnt in Matanzima Street.

The investigating unit is also probing rumours that are currently doing the rounds on social media that criminals will be targeting leased VW vehicles and set them alight in solidarity for their gangster friend Thando’Derang’ Mlilwana who was fatally gunned down on 4 February 2018 outside a tavern in Kwanobuhle. Milwana was laid to rest on Saturday, 10 February 2018. Police cannot confirm at this stage whether these robberies are linked to the rumours, however investigations are continuing.

Police is appealing to the communities to be alert and to report anything suspicious activities or any new VW vehicles parked or been driven by suspicious people. Information may be afforded anonymously and voluntarily to Crime Stop 08600 1011 or SMS Line 32211 or D/Lt Col Willie Mayi on 082 697 5914 or to their nearest police station. All information will be strictly confidential.

Police is also appealing to businesses not to leave vehicle keys to their fleet with security officials. This is not the first case where vehicles were taken from depots. Proactive measure should be implemented as criminals come in numbers and overpower the security guards on duty.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Ntshinga stated “that the investigation team has been working around the clock in an attempt to trace these stolen vehicles. It is evident that the SAPS cannot fight crime on its own and we can only succeed when it is tackled by a range of role-players which includes the community and business partners. I appeal to communities to come forward and not to shield or harbour these criminals who are threatening the peace and stability of our citizens. If we work together, we can solve many crimes and ensure that criminals are behind locked cells for a long time.”