The Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) Tracing Unit has recorded another operational success following intelligence-driven policing, based on information received from Crime Intelligence, in the Pinetown policing area.
Background
On Sunday, 28 December 2025, information was received from Crime Intelligence regarding a group of individuals allegedly involved in stripping suspected stolen motor vehicles within the Pinetown policing area. Crime Intelligence continued monitoring the activities and relayed further developments.
On Monday, 29 December 2025 at approximately 07:00, Crime Intelligence reported that three (3) adult males were actively stripping two motor vehicles at a residence in Tulip Place, Kloof.
An operational team was immediately mobilised. At approximately 13:30, members verified the address and tactically entered the premises.
The suspects were found in the act, removing engines and vehicle parts from one motor vehicle and fitting them onto another. During questioning, one suspect identified himself as a mechanic and alleged that he and another suspect were acting on instruction from a third individual.
All three suspects were arrested for possession of property suspected to be stolen. The suspects were detained at South African Police Service Pinetown, and all exhibits were seized and booked into the SAPS 13 register.
A silver-grey Renault Kwid recovered at the scene was confirmed as stolen and positively linked to a Lamontville SAPS case (December 2025 case).