By OBAKENG MAJE
A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for theft and transportation of seeds. The suspect was nabbed on Friday, during a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Lichtenburg Detectives, K9 and Visible Policing members.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect was arrested after the police received a tip-off regarding theft and transportation of seeds. Mokgwabone said the intelligence operationalised a tip-off and as part of the operation, the police kept observation and eventually spotted the suspects’ vehicles on the R503 road, heading to Lichtenburg.
“A car chase ensued after the suspects allegedly became aware of the police. One of the vehicles, a white Toyota Hilux Club Cab was cornered at Kieserville, in Lichtenburg.
“The driver was arrested and 48 bags of Pannar cortevia sunflower seeds were found in the vehicle. The second vehicle, a gold Toyota Hilux Single Cab, drove to the plantation, near Extension 4 in Blydeville,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said although the driver managed to evade arrest, 72 bags of Pannar cortevia sunflower seeds were found in the vehicle. He added that the preliminary investigations revealed that the seeds were allegedly stolen in and around Vierfontein and Kroonstad in the Free State Province.
“The police seized both vehicles, seeds and two cell phones. The investigations that include identifying the owners of the vehicles are underway, as it is apparent that the drivers were not the lawful owners.
“The suspect is due to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, for possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their concerted efforts that led to the arrest.
TaungDailyNews 