Cape Town - Drone footage captured on social media last month, which depicted a smash-and-grab in action along Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road near Dunoon, is reported to have led to the arrests of the suspects.
The video, captured by a drone, showed a suspect wearing a bright orange shirt breaking at least three car windows within five minutes on Malibongwe Drive and the N7.
These arrests follow the release of footage on social media on July 17, which belonged to an individual, AJ, who is part of a broader security cluster constantly monitoring the area.
In an interview with CapeTalk on Monday morning, AJ said that he has submitted the drone footage to and is prepared to testify in court, confident that it is clear enough to identify and prosecute the suspects.
He also notes that SAPS has the technology to enhance the footage if needed. He said the arrests made are linked to the footage that he recorded.
“I’m very excited about the breakthrough that SAPS has put so much effort into and so quickly. Within two weeks, these suspects have been detained and based on the footage, which I have given to them, and told them that I was prepared to testify in court, so let’s see how this pans out.”
AJ explained the video is clear, and if further enhancement is needed, “they have their experts at SAPS’ forensic division.”
“Since this incident (in July) it has been very very quiet, and I am very happy about that. I travel it daily… and haven’t seen any movement.”
SAPS spokesperson FC van Wyk said that a recent report on social media of criminals targeting motorists on Malibongwe Drive has contributed towards the arrest of three suspects.
“A suspect was brought to book at Table View Police Station on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, for an unrelated crime, when another police officer realised the suspect resembled one of the men captured in the social media video.
“The suspect was questioned and cooperated with police when asked about accomplices involved in the robberies,” Van Wyk said.
“On Wednesday, 31 July 2024 the suspect took officers to two separate locations where the accomplices were found, identified as the suspects in the reported robbery cases, and arrested.”
The suspects were taken to Milnerton Police Station until they appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court.