A Zimbabwean gang of thieves in South Africa were busted with 207 stolen cellphones and much more. 3 Zimbabwean men have been apprehended by the South African police after being caught in possession of stolen cellphones and cell tower batteries. In a statement shared by the South Africa Police Services (SAPS), the suspects were headed to Zimbabwe when they were busted.
READ – 3 Foreign Nationals caught with R1 Million worth of Stolen Goods headed to Zimbabwe – Pictures
The Statement Read: An intelligence-driven operation that was conducted on Monday, 20 January 2020 at about 15:30 by members attached to the Port of Entry, Westenburg Crime Intelligence unit and a Tracker company, led to the apprehension of three suspects aged between 28 and 35 for being in possession of suspected stolen property.
It is reported that police received information about a Toyota Quantum with a trailer carrying six occupants that were travelling from the Eastern Cape Province to Zimbabwe. The vehicle was spotted along the R101 road at Shell garage while refuelling and was taken to the nearby Weigh Bridge to be searched.
Upon arrival at the weighbridge, the vehicle was searched and police found two hundred and seven (207) brand new cellphones, five-tower batteries, three solar panels and two laptops to the value of nine hundred thousand rand (R 900,000) that were concealed inside a trailer with luggage.
The occupants could not disclose the origin of the items and did not have the receipts. The driver, his assistant and one passenger who were pointed out were immediately arrested on the scene for being in possession of the suspected stolen property.
During the arrest, police also confiscated the Toyota Quantum with Eastern Cape registration number and a trailer. The other three occupants were reportedly released because they were just passengers travelling home and could not be linked with the stolen items.
The suspects are expected to appear in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon. Police investigations are still continuing. Lately, South Africans have expressed their displeasure at sharing their country with foreigners and incidents like these reflect badly on honest Zimbabweans fleeing dire poverty back home.
Source – Mbare Times
In Other News – Two arrested in a sting operation for extorting building developer
Two men who allegedly demanded R100 000 from an Eastern Cape building developer who was building a satellite police station, were arrested in a sting operation by members of the National Cold Case Investigation Team.
According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, the two suspects aged 39 and 45 were arrested on Monday at the Port Elizabeth Airport where they met with the developer to collect the money.
Luvuyo Chippa Baadjies, 39, and Simphiwe Bans Waka,45, made their first appearance in the Port Elizabeth Regional Court earlier today where they face charges of extortion, corruption and fraud. Both suspects were remanded in police custody and will appear in court on January 28. continue reading
