By OBAKENG MAJE
Five suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and theft during the safer festive season “Operation Tlotla Molao”. North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said on 8 December 2023, the suspects allegedly arrived in one vehicle at the parking lot of a Mall in Potchefstroom.
Tselanyane further said, that upon their arrival, they alighted from the vehicle in pairs and went into the mall. He added that the car guard became suspicious and alerted a security company that kept an eye on their movements as well as their vehicle.
“Furthermore, after some time the suspects returned to their vehicle and drove off. The security company’s reaction team tried to stop the suspects’ vehicle, but they sped off. A chase ensued and the police were informed.
“The vehicle was eventually stopped just outside Potchefstroom towards the direction of Klerksdorp. A search was conducted and plastic bags filled with clothing items from two well-known clothing stores were found with price tags on them,” said Tselanyane.
He said the suspects could not produce any proof of purchase for those items and they were all arrested. Tselanyane said the five suspects consisted of three women and two men aged between 27 and 54.
“They are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 11 December 2023. The police will be working jointly with other law enforcement entities in the province and would want to warn all store managers and employees to be more vigilant.
“This time of the year, perpetrators of these kinds of crimes target stores when it is busy and employees are distracted. Investigation into the matter continues,” said Tselanyane.
The Guardian 