Quick reaction from security at mall in Mbombela leads to arrest of burglar

The quick reaction by security officers at i’langa Mall, along with CCTV surveillance, led to the arrest of a thief who had stolen a laptop from a vehicle parked at the centre this morning, October 31.

The mall’s security, Urban Africa Security, gave chase to the thief and his two accomplices after being alerted to the incident. They pursued them from the mall and caught them at Bosch Street near the R40 turn-off. They were assisted by Nelspruit Concerned Citizens.

There were three suspects, and while two managed to escape on foot after the vehicle was brought to a stop, one man was arrested. The laptop and bag were found in the Hyundai following the arrest.

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Nelspruit police officers arrived soon after the arrest was made and took over the scene. Mbombela traffic officers were also present.

Nelspruit Police Station spokesperson Constable Bongani Mokoena said that according to the statement given by the victim, the man had parked at the underground parking of i’langa Mall at about 08:45. When he returned to his vehicle about half an hour later, he found the lock on his front passenger door had been broken and his laptop bag with his laptop, and a few other items, had been stolen. The laptop bag had been lying on the floor of the passenger side.

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Moekena said the man reported the incident to mall security who took him to see CCTV footage which showed his car being broken into by men parked next to his own vehicle. The man was able to identify the make of the car, a white Hyundai, as well as the registration plate. Using the information from the footage,

Urban Africa Security was able to find the vehicle, chase it down and make the arrest.

Moekoena said a case of theft out of a motor vehicle has been opened and the investigation is ongoing.