PORT ELIZABETH – Port Elizabeth K9 Unit arrested a 24-year-old suspect on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
The breakthrough came after an arrest on Wednesday morning, 12 February 2020 that led to police to another house in Kengsington.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, 12 February 2020 at approximately 02:00, the Port Elizabeth K9 Unit noticed a red/maroon VW Golf driving in Kempston Road, Sidwell, with big boxes in the front and at the back seat of the vehicle. The member made enquiries to the driver and gave him the opportunity to provide proof of payment which he was unable to do. The members opened the boxes and found a large quantity of USB charging cables, power banks, two plate gas stove, extractor fan and power boxes. The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property after he was unable to provide a reason for being in possession of the items.
During the investigation they searched a property in Oliver Street, Kensington and at this premises they confiscated more suspected stolen property, similar to the property found with the suspect that was arrested on Wednesday morning. While trying to find the location where the suspected housebreaking took place, detectives also arrested a 28-year-old suspect at the house.
During the confiscation of the property at the premises in Kensington, the members followed up on information received which led them to the property of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Kensington. Detectives observed that the storage facilities were not locked and it appeared that the locks were broken. They contacted the person responsible for the premises and he confirmed that the property that the members recovered was locked in the storage facilities.
In total the detectives recovered approximately 700 different power bank devices, 350 USB charger cables, two plate gas stoves, extractor fans, various different Christmas decorations and Christmas lights, TV antennas and matrix TV game sets. At this stage the value of the property is unknown but the detectives confiscated more property from a shop in Roos Street, Central and in MaryBoyd Avenue, Kensington.
Both suspects will appear at the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Friday, 14 February 2020 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property while more charges could be added as the investigation unfold.
The Mount Road Station Commander, Brigadier Marius Groenewald commended the group of detectives who worked together as team and conducted a proper investigation, which led to more recoveries and arrests.
Source: South African Police Service