Biltong thief arrested
The SAPS officer on the scene immediately recognised the intruder as he had been involved in at least six burglaries in town.
During a burglary that occurred at Bakgat Biltong in General Street on Saturday February 15, a patient’s card from the local provincial hospital fell out of the intruder’s pocket resulted in an arrest.
Bakgat Biltong is situated at the Eureka Centre and about 22:15, the centre’s night guard became aware of a trespasser in the shop.
He immediately pressed the panic button which activated the alarm in the control room of the company’s office in Gauteng. The control-room operator proceeded to call owner of Bakgat, Walter Els, and notified him of the burglar.
Els went straight to the Barberton SAPS to report the crime in progress and together they arrived at the scene. The robber, who had by that time realised he was caught red-handed, jumped out of the window and fled, taking cash and car keys with him.
Walter said bags filled with about R7 000’s worth of stock, was found next to the door. He also found the intruder’s patient card from Barberton’s Provincial Hospital.
On Tuesday February 19 officials apprehended Mohammed Abraham.
“The security guard identified him early on Wednesday morning and as far as I know Abraham, who is currently being detained, has not appeared in court yet. The police promised to let me know when the case will appear in front of the magistrate,” said Els.
According to him, the SAPS officer on the scene immediately recognised the intruder as he had been involved in at least six burglaries in town. “As far as I could gather, this man has gotten out on free bail in the past. After his arrest, he admitted that he was guilty. He also said he was the one who robbed Bakgat Biltong over December, as well as to a burglary that took place at Morningside Bottle Store on Monday.”
