UK heist car found at Dbn port

2009-01-12 22:03

Durban - A vehicle with British money and a firearm hidden inside the seats was seized on a container ship at the Port of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Monday.

Superintendent Henry Budharm said the vehicle was believed to have been used in crimes in London.

"About two weeks ago, the organised crime unit in Pietermaritzburg was approached by the British police to assist in the investigation of cash-in-transit heists that were being committed by foreigners in the London area of England."

Negotiations through Interpol were then initiated and approval given for the necessary investigation to commence.

Pietermaritzburg detectives began investigations and following a tip-off were led to the port where they made the find. The container carrying the vehicle was opened on Monday morning.

"Information was received that a vehicle used in the commission of one of the heists were being shipped out of London to a country in Africa.

"Further investigations, traced the suspected ship believed to be transporting the vehicle... to Durban," said Budhram.

Also found inside the vehicle was dye used on bank notes to discourage cash-in-transit heists.

The vehicle was due to be stripped as police searched for more evidence.

- SAPA