IT is not just thieves who could end up in jail for a very long time. Their customers are also taking a big risk.
Talking at the official handing over of the renovated Chatsworth Police Station, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa warned that people caught with stolen property could spend up to 10 years in jail.
Previously, receiving stolen property was a crime that carried a 10-month jail sentence. Now, according to the Secondhand Goods Amendment Act of 2011, the crime of being in possession of stolen property carries a maximum of ten years in prison.
Addressing the Chatsworth residents the minister pointed out that the person who received stolen property was as guilty as the thief who stole it. He also promised residents that police had declared war against the drug dealers in the area.
After its R105-million revamp the new-look Chatsworth Police Station comprised about 10 000 square metres of facilities including a cell block, training facilities, control centre and a community service centre. It serves 13 communities and about 200 000 people.
