GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Five suspects believed to be part of a syndicate of shoplifters were arrested on Saturday 6 November.
It is believed the group frequently operated between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie, members of the Eden Crime Combatting Team (CCCT) were performing crime prevention duties in and around George when they received a transmission on air that possible suspects, two women and a man, have fled from Knysna after being spotted to be in possession of possibly stolen items. The items, mainly clothing, were suspected to have been stolen from shops in Knysna.
“Two of their accomplices, women aged 18 and 23 respectively, were apprehended by security personnel in Knysna. They were handed over to local police whereafter they were charged with the possession of suspected stolen property/goods that was handed in as evidence,” said Pojie.
On the run
Later the same day, while strategically deployed in Thembalethu, the members of the CCCT spotted a VW Polo sedan with three occupants that fitted the description of the suspects that had fled from Knysna.
“Members pulled over the vehicle and ensued with a search during which they retrieved new clothing, still marked with price tags attached, to the estimated value of more than R14 000. The trio, aged between 20 and 35, were arrested on the scene and detained at the Thembalethu police holding cells,” said Pojie.
The five are scheduled to make their first court appearance in the George and Knysna Magistrate’s Courts later today, Monday 8 November. They face charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
The possibility that the group could be linked to other shopliftings in the region is being investigated.
The 18-year-old suspect who was detained with the 23-year-old suspect in Knysna, has been released on a warning to join the other four and appear with them in court today, Monday 8 November.
Western Cape Police management applauded the members for their vigilance and commitment to eradicating illegal activities in the Southern Cape. Their integrated effort with counterparts such as security companies to safeguard communities and businesses doesn’t go unnoticed.
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