A CLAIRWOOD man who was out on parole for heroin possession found himself back behind bars after his fingerprints were found at a housebreaking a few months later.
In February 2014, Brighton Beach crime prevention member, Constable Ngwababane was on patrol in Pine Road in Clairwood when he heard suspicious noises coming from a home. When he approached, he could hear voices from within so he looked through a keyhole.
A man was seen smoking something inside the house. When the officer knocked on the door he saw the man throw the object on the ground and take some time to approach the door.
When Const Ngwababane spoke to the man, he admitted he had been smoking heroin. Two empty straws and one sealed straw with heroin inside were found.
The man was released on bail, but did not show up for a scheduled court appearance.
Six months later, a home was broken into and a DVD player and radio stolen in Houghton Road in Clairwood. Police found fingerprints on a broken window pane which were linked to the man arrested for heroin possession.
Brighton Beach SAPS Warrant Officer Marius Van Der Looy began his search for the missing Clairwood man and successfully tracked the 29-year-old down on 5 August after he served 10 months in jail for another drug possession offence.
On Friday, 7 August he was sentenced to five years in prison for housebreaking and theft and further five years for heroin possession.
“It is imperative communities work together with SAPS and make reports to us on those who are involved in criminal activities. We urge community involvement in the fight against crime. Report those with criminal intentions to your local police station or make use of the various anonymous crime reporting mechanisms such as the SMS hotline 32211, website www.crimeline.co.za or Crime Stop hotline 08600-10111,” said Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer, captain Louise Le Roux.
“W/O Van Der Looy is commended on the arrest and swift convictions in these two cases. The sentences imposed by the court are welcomed by Brighton Beach SAPS management as property related crimes remain a concern for us, as well as drug use and distribution within our area.”
Read about other drug related arrests here:
- Infamous drug dealer netted in swoop
- Drug dealer bust in Wentworth
- Drug offenders jailed by Wentworth Court
