EASTERN CAPE | AUTHORITES FIND STOLEN GOODS WORTH R1.2 MILLION TAKEN IN FREE STATE HIJACKING

Excellent collaboration between various role-players resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of suspected stolen goods worth R1, 2million in Matatiele on Tuesday, 21 February 2023.

It is alleged that at about 07:00 on the mentioned date, SAPS K9 unit in Maluti received information about suspected stolen goods that were hijacked in Harrismith in the Free State.

The horse and trailer was loaded with Nivea products worth R2 000 000, 00.

Immediately, a multidisciplinary task team collaborating of SAPS Maluti K9, Alfred Ndzo Highway Patrol, SAPS Matatiele and Pholile detectives as well as private security companies operationalised the information and a search warrant was executed at a Cash and Carry shop in the Matatiele central business district.

On searching the warehouse, 45 pallets of Nivea products were found with no proof of purchase.

The total value of the recovered stock is R1, 2 million.

Two suspects were arrested and detained on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property and appeared in the Matatiele magistrate court on Wednesday, 22 February 2023.

Thenjiwe Ntuli 42-year-old and Rana Abid, 34-year-old are remanded in custody and their next court appearance is on 1 March 2023 for a formal bail application.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene commended the teams for swiftly operationalising the information which led to the arrests and recovery of the stolen goods. She also sends out a stern warning to communities and the business sector who buy suspected stolen goods. ‘Receiving or buying stolen goods is an offence and those found in possession of such goods will be arrested and prosecuted. We urge the communities to reject and report any goods that is suspected to be stolen. As thieves go about stealing goods to meet the demand for stolen goods, they commit other crimes along the way. Always ensure that purchases are made with reputable retailers,’ added Lt Gen Mene.