Tracking team hits crime nest
2006-01-05 13:10
Johannesburg - A Tracker recovery team stumbled on to a crime scene involving vehicle theft, drug manufacturing, money laundering and piracy during a routine recovery of a stolen car in Johannesburg, police said on Thursday.
Superintendent Chris Wilken said the team, along with the Johannesburg flying squad, were following up the theft of two cars stolen from a woman and her friend in Soweto on Wednesday.
"Tracker activated the unit in her car, which led to a house in an affluent suburb in the south of Johannesburg where both cars were recovered," said Wilken.
No arrests were made and police recovered the two cars.
Also found at the house were several thousand rands worth of foreign currency, registration papers for more than 20 vehicles and various passports and identity documents.
Prime example
More than half a kilogram of Mandrax powder was discovered along with about 3 000 Mandrax tablets, equipment to make and process tablets and special paper believed to be used in creating fake US dollars.
Various police units were now investigating the case, including members of the organised crime and asset forfeiture units.
"We've always said that vehicle crime is often linked to other crimes and this is a prime example of that.
"We're obviously delighted that the Tracker-SAPS partnership continues to make inroads against serious and violent crime in South Africa." said the company's communications manager, Gareth Crocker.
- SAPA