A local private security company and police recently prevented the theft of two Bellville High School transport vehicles, which led to the arrest of three suspects.  

The incident unfolded on Friday on De La Haye Road in Bellville, when a member of the SJC Security Service’s armed response unit discovered suspects allegedly attempting to steal one of the school’s minibus taxis. He is said to have been doing a routine site inspection at the time.  

In a statement by the SJC Security Services, the suspects fled on foot when they realised they had been caught, and the on-duty security officer was “held at gunpoint, tied up and locked inside a security restroom”. 

According to the private security company, a minibus taxi was waiting nearby, which the fleeing suspects boarded and tried to get away.  

The security officer who was bound was safely rescued before additional SJC Armed Response units pursued the suspects.  

The vehicle was eventually blocked, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. 

“Through the swift and coordinated actions of our Armed Response teams, both Bellville High School minibuses were saved from being stolen, and the scene was handed over to SAPS for further investigation,” read the SJC Security Services statement.  

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk confirmed that three people, aged 24, 29 and 34, were arrested on charges of theft of a motor vehicle.  

He advised that suspects made their first court appearance on Monday.  

“Investigations continues and more charges can be added,” said Van Wyk. 

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department’s spokesperson, Milicent Merton, welcomed the arrests and thanked all those involved.  

“We are relieved that the attempted theft was unsuccessful and that the matter was swiftly addressed by law enforcement authorities.”