Truck leads cops to stash house

POLICE in Port Elizabeth stumbled on a house yesterday used to store stolen goods, after finding a hijacked delivery vehicle abandoned about 300m from the Zwide property.

The finding comes after a delivery vehicle owned by Big Bucks in North End was hijacked in Ralo Street, KwaMagxaki at about 11.45am.

Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said the truck was found stationary in Mbulelo Street at midday.

“The truck was found abandoned with all the furniture it had on the back already loaded off. The truck was carrying items like bedroom suites and mattresses as well as a bed and base,” he said.

The estimated value of stolen furniture was R15 000.

The truck’s tracking log showed that it had stopped at a house about 300m away, in Maya Street, Zwide.

“Police went to the house and forced their way in by breaking open the front door,” Beetge said.

“All the stolen items from the truck were found inside the house.”

Police also found a stolen gun and new clothing and takkies inside.

“There were other items in the house such as a television set and DVD player. Everything has been confiscated to see if it was linked to any crime.”

Beetge said some of the goods were believed to have been from Side Step, which was robbed inside the Baywest Mall on Sunday.

The robbers fled with about R60 000 worth of tracksuits, shoes and clothes.

“We suspect that it is a stash house used to store stolen items and also by the thugs,” Beetge said.

“A firearm was also found hidden inside an electricity box outside.”

Yesterday evening, police were still searching for the home owners or occupants.