Suspects arrested for smash-and-grab incidents on Malibongwe Drive near Dunoon
These arrests follow the release of drone footage on social media on 17 July, which depicted a smash-and-grab in action.
Drone footage capturing a man attempting a smash and grab on Malibongwe Drive in Cape Town. Picture: X/Screenshot
Lester Kiewit interviews AJ, a private drone operator.
Listen below.
Police have arrested individuals connected to recent smash-and-grab incidents along Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road near Dunoon in Cape Town.
These arrests follow the release of drone footage on social media on 17 July, which depicted a smash-and-grab in action.
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.
AJ has submitted the drone footage 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.
"I’m very excited about the breakthrough that SAPS has put so much effort into, and so quickly."
- AJ, private drone operator
AJ, who is part of a broader security team constantly monitoring the area, believes that those arrested are linked to a larger network of criminals.
He suspects that this group recruits individuals as needed, frequently cycling in and out of prison.
"Since this incident, it's been very very quiet and I'm very happy about that."
- AJ, private drone operator
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.