According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohala, the police were performing routine patrols in Graskop when they noticed two men at a hitch-hiking spot close to Sabie. They stopped and searched the pair. One of the men, who was carrying a plastic bag told the police that plastic bag contains his T-shirts.

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“The suspect suddenly dropped the plastic bag and fled the scene. When members opened it they found new clothing items which appeared to be from a retail clothing store. The other suspect was apprehended and police gave chase to the one who fled. Police members apprehended the suspect and took him to Graskop Police Station where more information was obtained from him regarding his alleged involvement in shoplifting at a clothing shop nearby. He was charged accordingly,” Mohala said.

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He also said during a preliminary investigation by the police, it was discovered that the other suspect who was apprehended was linked to an alleged theft out of a motor vehicle in Graskop in which a gas cylinder was stolen from a truck on June 18. For that, he also was charged.

“Upon further investigation by the police, it was revealed that the two were part of three suspects that were arrested on June 9 on charges of housebreaking incidents in the area. The investigation team believes that the suspects are part of a group terrorising the community of Graskop since the winter season began,” he said.