MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER EASTERN CAPE
27 December 2019
*Three hours of tracking leads to the arrest of 5 suspects and recovery of stolen property and abalone! – #BUYA MTHETHO*
Port Alfred: Five suspects between the ages of 28 and 39 were arrested early on December 27 and face charges of theft, possession of abalone without a permit and possession of undersized abalone, according to Captain Mali Govender of SAPS.
During the early hours of 27/12, several suspects entered a holiday cottage outside Port Alfred whilst the occupants were asleep. They took various items including fishing equipment, wet suit and cell phones. The local farm security (Panther Security) was alerted and started to track the suspects. Members of the SAPS K9 and local SAPS were also mobilised.
After a several hours of tracking the suspects by local farm security officer, items of clothing were found drying in the dense bush. Other items which resembled the stolen items were also found as well as abalone. The unsuspecting suspects who were “resting” were alarmed when they were caught out.
All the stolen items with the exception of the cell phones were recovered as well as 27 abalone seized.
During the preliminary investigation and interviewing of the suspects the cell phones were found wrapped in a plastic buried in the sand.
All stolen items were handed to the ecstatic complainant who expressed his appreciation to the hard working team.
All suspects will appear in the Local Magistrates Court early next week.
Brigadier Morgan Govender, Port Alfred Cluster Commander commended all the role players for their dedication and swift action.
#ZIZOJIKA IZINTO – “Turning the tide against crime”
