THE Hillcrest SAPS arrested two notorious criminals who have been linked to several housebreakings in the Waterfall area on Tuesday 4 March.
According to Captain Shaun Lessing, team leader of housebreakings at the Hillcrest SAPS, the two burglars were very elusive and managed to evade the SAPS for months. “The suspects were regularly seen selling goods in the area. A decision was made to set up a task team to trace the suspects, and with the assistance of the community and informants, we were able to make the arrests,” said Lessing.
After the arrests were made police recovered stolen property valued at approximately R250 000. Five flat screen television sets, various high powered tools, clothing, a brush cutter and a microwave were recovered at the scene. “Most of the items have been identified by the victims of the housebreakings,” said Lessing.
The brazen thieves’ modus operandi involved entering the homes by removing or cutting the burglar bars, seizing objects that they could carry and fleeing the scene. Lessing reported that the duo primarily targeted the homes of elderly residents. “They targeted victims that they could easily overpower, and primarily used weapons of opportunity if the victims resisted. In one instance they assaulted the victim with a beer bottle,” said Lessing.
Five cases of housebreakings have been opened against the men. “Several other housebreakings have also been linked to the suspects, but they are still under investigation,” said Lessing.
A 19-year-old man linked to several housebreakings at complexes in Hillcrest was also recently arrested by the Hillcrest SAPS and the Shongweni K9 Unit, and various stolen items were recovered.
The duo appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 18 March.
