Delighted Tostee salutes metro police

Independent Media surfing columnist Pierre Tostee.

Independent Media surfing columnist Pierre Tostee.

Published Feb 9, 2015

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Durban - Internationally respected surf photographer and Independent Media surfing columnist Pierre Tostee’s car was stolen from Durban’s Marine Parade on Sunday, but after swift action from the metro police it was recovered within hours.

In a letter to The Mercury, Tostee said he wanted to extend “a very big thank you” to the metro police for their valiant effort in chasing down and securing his stolen Hyundai i20.

Tostee, who is the communications manager for the MRP Foundation, said his car had gone missing minutes after he had parked to go surfing.

Tostee, still in his wetsuit, jumped into a nearby metro police car and started to track the thieves using the locater for his iPhone. The iPhone, still lying in his Hyundai i20, was traced to Umlazi.

“The suspect driving my car saw the police vehicle and a hot police pursuit began, South African-style, with more police vehicles tearing around Umlazi. My trusty little i20 was too fast and we lost contact with it, but one of the policemen then spotted my d vehicle in a dead- end street with the suspect having already fled the scene with my valuables,” Tostee said.

He said he could not help but give each of the policemen involved “big” hugs “much to the delight of the local community who were all cheering the successful vehicle recovery”.

“Along with the highly responsive metro police we then all headed back to the place where my car had remained stationary and was severely strip damaged inside.”

At an Umlazi car wash, police found Tostee’s car’s roof racks, his belongings, the car keys and items belonging to other victims of theft.

“The suspect had fled with my wallet, iPhone and valuables, and my car now remains in SAPS custody waiting for detectives to do their handy work along with fingerprinting. Thank you again to Durban metro police - today I salute all of you - you are amazing!”

The Mercury

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