MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A man with a long list of theft convictions has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, thanks to a thorough investigation by Mossel Bay Police Station detective, Sergeant Devan Rabie.
Eric Fillies (32) was arrested by the station's Sergeant Malusi Matiya on 13 September last year. Fillies was found with a brand new bicycle in Long Street, De Bakkie, at about 11:15.
He was taken to the station and on questioning by Rabie, Fillies could not say how he came to have the bicycle.
A photograph of the bicycle was published by Mossel Bay Advertiser and it was recognised by a friend of the rightful owner. The owner came forward and confirmed it was hers. Rabie also acquired video footage of Fillies taking the bicycle from the owner's property.
Fillies first appeared in court on 16 September. He remained in custody until he was found guilty of possession of stolen property on 14 October.
The case was heard in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court but was transferred to the Mossel Bay Regional Court for sentencing, due to Fillies' extensive history of theft.
He was thus sentenced to seven years' imprisonment on 12 February.
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