POTCHEFSTROOM – Vincent Aubrey Koorts (26) was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Monday, 28 June 2021 when he appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 June 2021, on charges of theft of motor vehicles, theft of a trailer and theft of a caravan.

Koorts’ court appearance emanated from his arrest following separate cases of motor vehicle theft which were reported in March and April 2021 in Burgersdorp, Lichtenburg.

In the first incident, the owner of a white Tata Bakkie, a black Toyota Cressida, a trailer and caravan left her house on Tuesday, 23 March 2021. She returned on Friday morning, 26 March 2021, and discovered that her motor vehicles, trailer and caravan were stolen.

In another separate incident on Tuesday, 06 April 2021, Koorts allegedly borrowed a Kia Sportage from a 68-year-old complainant. He never returned the vehicle and later reported that he was hijacked in Pretoria.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Koorts, who is related to both victims. He is also a motor vehicle mechanic.

Police are requesting anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigations to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Karabo Sebogo of the Lichtenburg Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) on 082 581 1666 or call South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on smart phones.

Source: South African Police Service