On Friday 13 September 2024 at 01:45, members of the Highway Patrol unit were busy with duties on the N1 when they were stopped by the occupants of a government ambulance informing them of a Ford Figo vehicle that was driving reckless from Worcester to Paarl. The members spotted the vehicle which was stopped and upon searching they found clothes, stationery, toiletries, branded clothing with tags from different retail stores and many more items worth about R25 000.
The suspects did not have a reasonable explanation nor did they have proof of payments for the clothes. Further investigation was done and it was discovered that the passengers are known for shoplifting due to previous records with a history of theft all over the district. The three suspects aged between 29 and 41 were arrested and detained at Paarl SAPS for possession of possible stolen goods.
In an unrelated incident on Thursday 12 September 2024, Paarl East Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 19 years old suspect for dealing in drugs with a street value of R24 000 and seized a undisclosed amount of cash which is believed to be the proceeds of crime. The suspect will appear on drug related charges in the Paarl Magistrates Court once charged.