Forensic evidence nails burglar who struck twice in Victoria West

A MAN who targeted homes in a quiet Victoria West street during two unsettling break-ins has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, thanks to meticulous police work and forensic evidence that tied him to the scenes.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said that the break-ins, which took place on June 25 and July 13, 2023, in Noorder Street, left residents rattled and searching for answers. 

At the time, the identity of the culprit was a mystery. But officers from the SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre quickly moved in, collecting crucial forensic evidence from both scenes.

Months later, that evidence would prove key in connecting 35-year-old Ricardo Fritz - already behind bars for a separate offence - to the crimes. He was hauled before the Victoria West Regional Court, where he was found guilty of housebreaking and theft and sentenced this week to a decade of direct imprisonment.

The case was cracked thanks to the efforts of Detective Sergeant Basil Abrahams of the Victoria West Detectives, whose investigation ensured the suspect could not escape justice.

The Pixley ka Seme district commissioner, Major-General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Abrahams and reassured the community that the police remain dedicated to leaving no stone unturned in holding criminals accountable and restoring safety to communities across the Northern Cape.