GRAHAMSTOWN - INNOCENT HITCHHIKER CAUGHT UP IN POLICE CHASE

Eastern Cape authorities have nabbed a 29-year-old man for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle fitted with fake license plates and without a disk.

But the suspected car thief did show some heart - with him in the vehicle the police found a hitchhiker who was innocently enjoying the free ride.

The arrestwas made on Sunday by members of the Grahamstown Highway patrol and police.

Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender on Monday said police were holding a vehicle check point at the Fish River on the N2, when they spotted a blue Toyota Corolla travelling from Grahamstown towards Peddie.

“The vehicle but made a U-turn and sped towards Grahamstown. The members of the highway patrol then chased it and managed to pull the vehicle over a few kilometres away. The licence plates were false and it had no disc on.

“The driver had provided conflicting versions on his acquisition. Upon searching him Constable Mervin Frans found a gate remote in his wallet and also the original licence disc under his seat. He then used the chassis number to test it for ownership and it was discovered that the vehicle was indeed stolen in Durbanville in the Western Cape on Friday morning.

“The passenger, a hitchhiker who was picked up in Port Elizabeth, was not arrested. The suspect, who resides in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, faces a charge of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle.”

The suspect will appear in the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court soon.

VIA - news24.com