The Magaliesburg Magistrates’ Court recently sentenced a man to three years imprisonment for housebreaking with the intent to commit a crime.
Neo Nhlapo was arrested after Oostermoed Security guards responded to an alarm at a farm in Rietfontein on 27 January at about 5pm.
The security officers caught the man inside the storeroom.
According to a statement sent by Magaliesburg Police spokesperson, Sergeant Rebecca Phiri, he could not provide a satisfying answer when he was asked what he was doing there.
Nhlapo was then arrested and appeared in court, where he was found guilty on 25 February and was sentenced on 23 March.
Phiri said in her statement that housebreaking has been on the increase lately.
“In the Magaliesburg area a drastic increase in housebreaking and theft has been reported. Suspects are difficult to trace as some of them may be from outside the area but could still be working with residents of the community,” read the statement.
Phiri also added a few safety tips community members can take into account to help curb housebreaking:
• Do not leave outside lights on the whole day
• Avoid leaving gates or garage doors open
• Don’t leave valuables and tools within easy reach of someone who might steal them
• Don’t leave keys in the locks or at the door
Phiri said the acting station commander for the Magaliesburg Police, Captain Alex Mafhungo welcomed the sentence as it serves as a reminder to those who want to commit crime.
He also urged the community to assist each other through neighbourhood watches, especially when homeowners are away from home, on vacation or at work.
“Any person found in possession of stolen property or who buys stolen property will be arrested and get the same punishment,” Phiri’s statement read.
She said that anyone who wants to report a crime can do so by means of their SMS number on 32211 or make use of the My SAPS app. Alternatively phone the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
