A second-hand goods shop located at the corner of Wanderers and Plein Streets was the centre of attention when Joburg Central Police descended on it at about 1pm on 11 April.
A 36-year old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property at the shop after a total of 92 Samsung cellphones, worth an estimated value of R100 000 were uncovered, according to Captain Xoli Mbele, spokeperson of the Joburg Central Police Station.
“Police received a tip-off from a community member about [the sale] of cellphones without [possessing] the relevant legal documentation,” he said.
“When police arrived at the shop, they were granted permission to search [the premises] wherein they discovered [about] 92 Samsung cellphones. The cellphones were estimated to be worth R100 000,” explained Mbele.
A police investigation is under way with the suspect set to appear in the Joburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police have, however, extended the following safety tips when looking to purchase a cellphone:
– Don’t buy cellphones and laptops if the seller fails to produce his or her ID book
– Don’t buy cellphones and laptops if the seller fails to produce valid papers of what he or she is selling to you
– Keep a record of the seller
Blow the whistle on crime and other suspicious activities by contacting the Joburg Central Police on 011 497 7135 with any information.
