Five suspects were arrested by the Van Zylsrus police for alleged tampering and damage to essential infrastructure and theft.
FIVE men were arrested by the Van Zylsrus police for alleged tampering and damage to essential infrastructure and theft.
Kuruman SAPS spokesperson Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said that the station commander of Van Zylsrus, Lieutenant-Colonel Du Plessis, and members under his command reacted quickly to a complaint regarding a Toyota bakkie that was driving around local farms during the early hours of January 28.
“Members noticed the vehicle as per the description. When the suspects noticed the police, three male suspects ran into the veld,” said Letsapa.
“Upon searching the bakkie, the police discovered 24 cellphones, cellphone tower batteries, a generator battery and 20 litres of diesel in the vehicle.”
Letsapa said that the driver of the bakkie was arrested as he was unable to provide proof of ownership of the items.
“The members later found an abandoned Toyota Etios along the side of the road and searched it,” added Letsapa. “House-breaking implements were found inside the vehicle.”
He said that with the assistance of farmers in the Van Zylsrus district the suspects were located and arrested while hiding in the veld.
“Two vehicles were confiscated, together with all suspected stolen items,” said Letsapa.
“All suspects will appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court soon.”
The acting district commander of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Johnny Besnaar, commended Lieutenant-Colonel Du Plessis and his members for their swift response to the complaint, which resulted in the arrests and the confiscation of the suspected stolen property.
Besnaar also commended the farming community for their assistance that led to the apprehension of the suspects.
