Police nab three suspects, recover stolen goods worth R45k in Kimberley

A SWIFT response by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit led to the recovery of stolen goods valued at approximately R45,000 and the arrest of three suspects in Kimberley.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane, the team members acted on a tip-off related to a recent housebreaking and theft case. When police officers arrived at an identified property in Mogul Park on August 28, they questioned a man who claimed to have knowledge of the stolen items’ whereabouts. The man directed the officers to a residence in Stokroos Street, Squarehill Park.

A search of the house uncovered a cache of industrial power tools, believed to be part of the stolen property. Two men, aged 36 and 68, were arrested on the scene for possession of suspected stolen goods. Under questioning, the suspects provided further leads, revealing the location of additional stolen items.

Following the new information, officers proceeded to the Tswelopele correctional facility, where they approached a staff member who guided them to his residence. There, a 55-inch plasma television, also suspected to be stolen, was recovered. The 61-year-old Correctional Service employee was subsequently arrested.

The investigation didn’t stop there. The police continued their search and recovered more stolen items, including laptops, a cellphone, electrical equipment and a television.

The acting district commissioner of the Frances Baard District, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, praised the officers for their prompt and effective response. He also reminded the public that purchasing stolen goods is a criminal offence, urging residents to report any suspicious sales activity.