From fridges to farm animals - Mothibistad burglars go big and get busted
A POLICE operation in Mothibistad put a serious dent in a local burglary spree, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a rather ambitious haul of stolen goods - including household appliances, sneakers, and even a pair of goats.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, the breakthrough came on February 21, when officers from the Mothibistad SAPS acted on intelligence regarding a housebreaking and theft incident. At approximately 5.30pm, the Mothibistad Visible Policing commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi, along with Crime Prevention officers Sergeant Vicky Baikedi and constables Tshepo Ramoroka, Omphile Sebuseng, Oratile Segoneco, and Shemane Snyman, swooped in on two suspects in Promise Land, Mothibistad.
During the operation, the police recovered a substantial number of stolen goods, including two refrigerators, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a full set of pots, a four-plate gas stove, a plasma TV, a kettle, a gas cylinder, a toaster, and multiple pairs of shoes and sneakers.
Further investigations led officers to an unexpected discovery - two goats, allegedly stolen from Ellendale Village.
The police also confiscated two vehicles - a Tata sedan and a Toyota Hilux bakkie - believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes.
The two male suspects, aged 27 and 29, are set to appear in the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple charges including housebreaking and theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, stock theft, and possession of housebreaking implements.
Police management commended the Mothibistad SAPS team for their vigilance and quick action in cracking the case. They also issued a stern warning to the public against purchasing stolen goods, reminding residents that dealing in stolen property is a criminal offence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kock urged community members to continue assisting law enforcement by reporting criminal activity via the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
