Some of the suspected stolen property confiscated in Kariega. Image: SAPS
Kariega man arrested, over R1.2m worth suspected stolen property confiscated
A man from Kariega was arrested after he was found with catalytic converters and other suspected stolen property worth R1.2m.
Some of the suspected stolen property confiscated in Kariega. Image: SAPS
A 51-year-old man has been arrested in Kariega in the Eastern Cape after he was found in possession of suspected stolen property worth R1.2 million.
An intelligence driven operation resulted in the successful arrest of the 51-year-old as well as the confiscation of exhaust systems, catalytic converters, brand new tyres, steering wheel covers and various diabetic medication on Wednesday, 22 June.
KARIEGA MAN ARRESTED FOR STOLEN PROPERTY WORTH R1.2 MILLION
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), at about 08:30, Uitenhage police officials executed a search warrant at a residence in Dobson Street in Kariega.
Upon searching the premises, 74 complete cold end exhaust systems, 300 catalytic converters, 24 new tyres, 60 steering wheel covers and various diabetic medication worth more than R1.2 million were confiscated.
Police spokesperson, Captain Gerda Swart said a 51-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.
“The suspect is due to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 24 June 2022. Investigations revealed that the catalytic converters were taken during a hijacking in Kwadwesi earlier this month. More arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.”
Captain Gerda Swart
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT ON THE RISE
Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in South Africa. Question is, what makes them so special? A catalytic converter is a car part that reduces the toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust fumes, which is lined with precious metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum that are all more valuable than gold.
In 2021, the owner of automotive establishment Noise Boys, Melia Tappan, told CapeTalk’s Refilwe Moloto that they noticed a spike in cat thefts in the Western Cape since January.
Tappan added that the stolen parts can go for anywhere between R4000 and R20 000 per unit.
ALSO READ: Police recover R15m worth catalytic converters stolen in Gqeberha
