Suspects caught by vigilant police work

LYDENBURG – Quick and effective police response led to the arrest of three suspected house robbers last week.

According to Capt. Mabokalaka Mashabela, communications officer of Lydenburg SAPS, officers were doing their rounds in town and witnessed a suspicious vehicle driving around. “The officers stopped the said vehicle which had six occupants in. Three suspects manage to escape but the other three was apprehended. In the bakkie they found several housebreaking equipment.”

The suspects are said to be from Limpopo. Several grinders, a blowtorch, drills and crowbars were confiscated.

According to Mashabela, all of these are used for house break-ins. “Nearing the end of the year, we urge residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible.”

The suspects briefly appeared in the Lydenburg Magistrates court were they were granted bail. At the time of going to press, the date for the trail could not yet be established.

The SAPS shared some safety tips with regard to house break-ins, especially nearing the so called silly season.  Lydenburg and surrounding areas are warned to always be alert and follow the following safety tips: Always close windows and lock doors whenever you leave the house or go to sleep. Before you hire someone like a gardener, you must first screen the person, so that you know the person’s residential address and other important information.

Refrain from hanging car- and house keys on the kitchen wall, because housebreakers find it easy to access a lot of things (including vehicles) should they manage to enter the house.

Avoid leaving house keys under the doormat or under stones near the door. Remember to activate the alarm system whenever you leave the house or go to sleep. Please report suspicious people in your neighbourhood, your neighbour’s yard or house.

Should anybody suspect any crime or criminal activity, please contact Lydenburg Police on

013–235- 2222/3.