Uniforms of firemen called to the scene of a fire in Ocean View on Wednesday 1 March were brazenly stolen through the window of their fire truck.
According to a member of the Ocean View community, a thief ran off with uniforms valued at around R85 000.
“There was a fire in Rasta Camp, Ocean View, and the fire department from Kommetjie Road was despatched.
“After the fire truck arrived, two men jumped in at the driver’s side and grabbed two suits as well as a toolkit. Everything was captured on CCTV, so we could call the police to catch the guys.”
He added that the fire and rescue personnel seemed to be opening and operating the water pipe at the time of the incident.
“People keep saying that the CCTV cameras are not working, but that is not true because these guys were caught because of the CCTV footage.”
In CCTV footage obtained, a man is seen stepping up to the driver’s side of a fire truck, peeking his head inside and then grabbing what looks to be a fireman’s uniform.
He later runs off as a woman with a young child looks on.
Jermaine Carelse, the spokesperson for the City’s fire and rescue service, said emergency services responded to a structure alight in Ocean View when the incident occurred.
“The call was received at 12:43 on 1 March of a structure alight at Rasta Camp, Ocean View. A single wood and iron structure was destroyed by fire.”
He added that attacks on firefighters, which happen far too often, are unacceptable.
“Residents also threaten or harass the firefighters trying to get to the frontline or even cut their hoses.
“This is unacceptable that the very people the firefighters are trying to protect are causing delays, effectively resulting in a much higher cost.
“This type of behaviour could rob residents of a potentially lifesaving service.”
Capt Nick Spreeth, head of visible policing at Ocean View Police Station, confirmed that fire equipment and a fireman’s uniform were stolen.
“The incident was captured on CCTV. One suspect was arrested and he has since appeared in court.”
He added that the value of the items stolen was estimated to be around R85 000.
“The stolen items have since been recovered and returned.”
