By Ntswaki Raseasala
On Monday, 15 April 2024, the Department’s Public Transport Intervention Unit (PTIU) arrested and detained two suspects in connection with a stolen bakkie. The Hyundai bakkie was reportedly stolen in Heidedal, Free State Province, on May 2022 and subsequently a case was opened at the local police station.

Two suspects were in the vehicle when it was recovered and was being used for transport services by local small business people. When officers conducted an inspection, they found that it was affixed with false numberplates when they retrieved its SAPS status through VIN numbers.

The vehicle was taken to the Sebokeng VIS for further police investigation. 

Meanwhile, while conducting law enforcement operations, the unit’s officers arrested and detained three suspects from the Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) on Tuesday, 16 April 2023.

The suspects were driving a branded IPTA patrol vehicle when they stopped a private vehicle on the road. The driver of the vehicle continued to drive since he could not identify the IPTA vehicle as an official Traffic police or SAPS vehicle. The suspects proceeded to draw firearms and pointed at the driver who was then forced to stop. They accused the driver of piracy and told him he is under arrest.

One patroller entered his vehicle and ordered him to drive. PTIU officers spotted the vehicles, stopped them and started interrogating the driver of the private vehicle and patrollers. This led to the three patrollers being arrested. Two loaded firearms were confiscated and booked at the Ivory SAPS for ballistic testing. The suspects were charged with pointing a firearm, intimidation, robbery, illegal possession of firearm and extortion.

PTIU officers spotted the vehicles, stopped them and started interrogating the driver of the private vehicle and patrollers. This led to the three patrollers being arrested. Two loaded firearms were confiscated and booked at the Ivory SAPS for ballistic testing.

The suspects were charged with pointing a firearm, intimidation, robbery, illegal possession of firearm and extortion. PTIU officials will continue to ensure compliance and safe operations in the public transport sector, while ensuring enhanced law enforcement visibility.

PTIU officials will continue to ensure compliance and safe operations in the public transport sector, while ensuring enhanced law enforcement visibility.