Man arrested in Seshego cluster for possession of suspected stolen cell tower batteries worth R100K

POLOKWANE – The simultaneous joint crime prevention operations were conducted across most clusters from the morning of Friday, 24 January to the early hours of Sunday, 26 January. The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from possession of dagga, possession of dangerous weapons, Illegal immigration Act, common robbery, theft, robbery with a firearm, RTA to Non Compliance with liquor act.

The operations were composed of members from various police units in partnership with the Community Based Crime Prevention Structures and were mainly focused on roadblocks, stop and searches operations and raids on liquor outlets and second hand goods shops, said Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement.

Some of the successes.

In Seshego cluster the team managed to arrest a 32-year-old man at Chebeng Village after he as found to be in possession of 13 suspected stolen cellphone tower batteries. The estimated value of the batteries is around R100 000. The suspect is believed to be part of a syndicate that has been operating around Seshego and Polokwane and preliminary investigations linked him to another suspect arrested on the same charges in Seshego recently.

While in custody the man attempted to escape by trying to break a window at the police station. He will face an additional charge of malicious damage to property.

In Polokwane, the team focused on the hot spots in the central business district (CBD) and surrounding malls and over 98 people were stopped and searched whereby six suspects were arrested. The arrested suspects, aged 31 and 44 were sought for cases related to theft, assault, fraud, defeating the ends of justice, robbery with firearm and house breaking.

Meanwhile in the Tzaneen Cluster, the police conducted an operation at Bololobedu South focusing on the confiscation of the counterfeit goods.The operation resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of counterfeit goods such as shoe polishes, deoderants, cigarettes and sanitary pads.

In the Thohoyandou Cluster, the team traced a suspect involved in burglary residence and recovered suspected stolen property at a house in Tswinga Village. The suspect managed to escape but police have since launch a manhunt for his arrest.

During these integrated operations large quantities of liquor were also confiscated and six shebeens closed, Mojapelo added.

All arrested suspects will appear before the relevant magistrate courts soon.