A 29-year-old, Ontiretse Johannes Matlou appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Court on 29 April 2020, for possession of suspected stolen goods and business burglary. He was remanded in custody until Friday, 13 May 2020.
The accused’s court appearance stems from his apprehension at about 06:00 on Tuesday, 28 April 2020 by two off-duty Letlhabile police officials. That after the accused was spotted with rolls of toilet paper. It is alleged that upon realizing that the police saw him getting out of the yard of a primary school in Block B, Letlhabile, the accused ran away, but the vigilant and determined members chased and intercepted him.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused is linked with three separate incidents of burglaries at the same school since commencement of the lockdown. The arrest brings to 29, a total number of individuals apprehended in connection with burglaries at schools. The suspects were arrested at various places in the province including Lethabong, Phokeng, Rustenburg, Vryburg, Mogwase, Mahikeng and Ikageng.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the members for their vigilance, prompt response and going an extra mile to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to book. He requested members of the community to work together with the police and to report suspicious activities by contacting their nearest police stations. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be done by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App.
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