A SUSPECTED house robber's run from the law came to a dramatic end after cops tracked his vehicle and arrested him with stolen property following a lengthy chase on the N2 in the Western Cape.
The suspect, a 32-year-old foreign national, was allegedly linked to a string of house robberies in several Western Cape areas.
Western Cape police spokeswoman Thembakazi Mpendukana said the breakthrough came during a crime-fighting operation by the Somerset West Crime Prevention Unit.
"A crime-combating operation conducted by the Somerset West Crime Prevention Unit led to the discovery of a vehicle that's associated with several house robbery cases, including rape, in areas such as Kleinmond, Stellenbosch, Table View and Bothasig," Mpendukana said.
She said that cops spotted a grey Honda BR-V on the N2 on Wednesday at about 5.45am. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped off towards Cape Town.
During the chase, the suspect allegedly threw two bags out of the vehicle.
"The bag was then found with a firearm that was used during robberies and technology equipment which was reported to have been stolen the night before in Betty's Bay, Kleinmond," she said.
ALSO READ | Madlanga 'Task Team' strikes again: Four top officials bust!Opens in new window
After a lengthy pursuit, cops finally cornered and bust the suspect.
"Subsequently, after a very lengthy pursuit, the 32-year-old male suspect, who is a foreign national, was caught and apprehended for possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of stolen property, the Immigration Act, including reckless and negligent driving," Mpendukana said.
Mpendukana said cops also seized the Honda BR-V as part of the investigation.
She said the suspect is expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates Court once he has been formally charged.
The bust is expected to bring relief to communities that have been living in fear following a series of house robberies in areas including Kleinmond, Stellenbosch, Table View and Bothasig.
Cops are continuing with their investigation to determine whether the suspect can be linked to other cases reported across the province.
