Excellent networking between the community, SAPS Kabega Park and Kamesh police resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects and the recovery of 3 rifles early this morning, 24 August 2018.
It is alleged that on Saturday, 18 August 2018, the owner of a farm in Wolwefontein reported that his house was broken into while no one was at home. According to police information, when the person who was looking after the farmer’s house arrived on Saturday morning, he noticed that the vehicle was parked in a different place as previously parked on Thursday.
He notified the owner who was in Uitenhage and on his arrival, the owner discovered that his home was broken into. Entry was gained by breaking a window. Several firearms and a pellet gun were among the items taken. The safe was forced opened.
On Thursday evening, 23 August 2018, a farm watch community member was at a local Spar in Cape Road when he recognised a person who was circulated on social media. The person was seated in a bakkie. He immediately contacted Kabega Police who responded swiftly. The 25 year old person of interest was taken to the police station and questioned.
Further information led police to Lapland in Kamesh in search of another suspect. With the assistance of SAPS Kamesh members, another suspect, between 20 and 30 years old was arrested while walking in the street. Both suspects are well known in the Wolwefontein area. They have been detained on charges of housebreaking.
At about 06:00 this morning, Kabega Park and K9 Unit members went to a house in Erica Dien, an informal settlement in Cape Road and searched two shacks. Nothing was found inside however continued search of the immediate vicinity led police to discover a freshly dug hole about 10 metres from the shack. Upon digging up the hole, 3 rifles were found buried in the ground. One other person (aged between 25 and 30) was arrested and detained for possession of suspected stolen property and illegal possession of firearms.
The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday, 27 August 2018.
The Cluster Commander for Mount Road, Major General Thembisile Patekile commended the community and all members involved in the swift arrests and the recovery of the firearms.
‘Close cooperation between the community and police is bound to yield positive results and narrow the space for criminals. The members’ immediate reaction to the information received and instant follow up investigation ensured the successful arrests and recovery. There are still firearms that are yet to be recovered hence we are urging the communities to continue to assist the police with any information that can lead to the arrest of perpetrators and the recovery of firearms as firearms are used in the commission of serious and violent crimes,’ added Major General Patekile.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
