DURBAN – Police in the eThekwini District uncovered a chop-shop dealing in Volkswagen vehicle parts during an operation on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, at Umlazi ‘N’ Section.
The discovery followed weeks of intelligence gathering by Crime Intelligence officers focused on stolen and hijacked Volkswagens in Durban and nearby areas, including Sydenham, Berea, Umbilo, Hillcrest, and Pinetown.
When officers raided the rented property, they found large quantities of suspected stolen parts such as door panels for VW Polos, dashboards, suspensions, bumpers, pedals, steering wheels, and side and rear mirrors. An engine linked to a vehicle reported stolen in Pinetown in November 2024 was also recovered. 
Further inspection revealed tampered vehicle engines and number plates registered to a car stolen in Berea in September 2024. The tenant, believed to be responsible for selling these parts, was not present at the time of the raid.
Police have seized all the vehicle parts for investigation and are actively searching for the suspect.
