The four man police team, headed by Warrant Officer Ngonyama, were on patrol when they spotted a man carrying two heavy refuse bags. A search of the bags revealed two large rolls of cotton string, which the man said he got from his workplace in Paisley Road.
Unsure if the 30-year-old man was telling the truth, the officers took him to the building he mentioned. The owner confirmed he was employed there but that he was not given permission to remove the cotton rolls. He also reported that they had had a problem with theft but had been unable to catch the culprit thus far.
The man was arrested and charged with theft. He appeared in Wentworth Court on Friday, 23 August where he pleaded guilty. He was given the choice of a prison sentence of 60 days or a fine. He chose to pay the R500 admission of guilt and now has a criminal record.
W/O Ngonyama, Constable SL Phungula and student Constables Chonco and DG Van Wyk are commended by Brighton Beach SAP management for their vigilance and intuition, which led to the arrest; recovery of the stolen items and assisting the business owner in solving his loss of stock.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
