He was arrested after he rolled the cop van in a car chase

A man was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly stole a marked police bakkie from the Pretoria West police station, Gauteng police said.

A policeman apparently rushing to the toilet left the Nissan double cab in a parking bay with the keys in the ignition, Captain Bonginkosi Msimango said.

“Subsequently, the constable heard somebody screaming that a strange person was driving out with the state vehicle,” Msimango said.

A chase ensued as the vehicle was travelling towards the Ben Schoeman highway. During the chase the alleged thief lost control and the bakkie overturned.

He was unhurt, tried to run away, but was caught and arrested.

The police car was badly damaged.

He was detained at the Wierdabrug police station and expected to appear in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court soon.

He would face charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and theft of a state vehicle.