Chumasande Matiwane|Published
Cape Town Metro Police have recovered a diamond-encrusted white gold chain reportedly worth R100,000 following a robbery in Parklands, while separate operations involving K-9 Virus led to the discovery of suspected drugs concealed inside a vehicle and at a residential complex.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the chain was recovered after officers stopped a suspected getaway vehicle on Viking Way on Saturday, 17 October.
Stolen gold chain recovered after Parklands robbery
On Saturday, 17 October, a person was robbed of a 10-carat white gold chain set with diamonds in Parklands. The chain was reportedly valued at R100,000.
Metro Police members circulated a description of a suspected getaway vehicle to help locate the suspects.
At around 7pm, officers spotted the vehicle travelling along Viking Way and brought it to a stop.
A search uncovered a large amount of cash, while further questioning reportedly revealed that the suspects had sold the stolen jewellery to a vendor on Long Street in Cape Town’s CBD.
Members followed up on the information and successfully recovered the stolen chain.
All suspects were charged with robbery and handed over to Table View SAPS for further investigation.
K-9 Virus uncovers drugs hidden in vehicle
In the week before the gold chain recovery, Metro Police members received information about a vehicle allegedly being used to transport drugs in the vicinity of Gie Street and Parklands Main Road.
During patrols, members spotted a grey VW Polo. According to Smith, the driver reportedly insisted that officers search the vehicle, confident they would find nothing.
K-9 Virus was brought in to assist with the search and indicated the possible presence of drugs concealed behind the interior roof-light fitting.
After dismantling the fixture, members discovered a hidden cavity containing an assortment of suspected drugs, including cocaine, tik and dagga.
Second drug operation at residential complex
In another operation during the same week, Metro Police members received information about alleged drug dealing at a residential complex.
With permission to search granted by the property owner, K-9 Virus was deployed and uncovered tik during the search, according to Smith.
Metro Police highlight role of K-9 unit
Smith said the City’s Metro Police unit had more than 20 working K-9s, each with its own handler.
“These dogs are more than just sniffer dogs or ‘partners’. These dogs are like family,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
He said the dogs’ abilities often depended on the bond forged between each animal and its handler.
Smith added that the unit regularly assisted SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services and other agencies when needed.
According to Smith, the K-9s had helped remove nearly 90,000 units of drugs from the streets over the previous five years.
He said the City welcomed regular SPCA audits and had established a weekly wellness walk several years ago, taking the dogs into nature for time off.
“Our K-9 units provide an invaluable service in strengthening crime detection and supporting frontline officers,” Smith wrote.
“Their specialised capabilities help uncover drugs and other contraband that might otherwise go undetected, contributing to safer communities and ensuring that those involved in criminal activity are brought to account.”