According to Johan Oberholzer, Operational Manager at Mid Alarms, a property in Slegtkamp Street was repeatedly broken into last week, with the suspects making off with steel and tools on two different occasions.

The suspects worked quickly and managed to evade capture, but by studying the patterns of the suspects, Mid Alarms was ready for their next hit.

“The suspect was picked up on our surveillance at 06:20 on Thursday morning, and reaction officers Richardt Sadie and Kevin Trefry responded to the scene where they managed to capture one suspect outside the premises. He had stolen steel and hid it. We are aware of a gang that is behind the thefts,” Oberholzer said.

The suspect was then handed over to the SAPS.

“I wish to commend the SAPS for their assistance. We appreciate their efficiency and effort in investigating the theft. It is the first time I have seen an investigating officer work so thoroughly to open a docket,” Oberholzer concluded.

The suspect’s identity is withheld as it could not be confirmed whether he appeared in court.

• Two reaction officers from Mid Alarms made another successful arrest last Sunday.

According to Oberholzer, their surveillance system flagged an incident of trespassing at a company in the Middelburg CBD at 08:45.
The suspect had climbed a wall and was stripping cables from several vehicles on the premises.

Reaction Officers CP Kotze and Ricardo Venter were dispatched to the scene but the suspect fled upon their arrival.

The officers gave chase and managed to apprehend the suspect not far from the scene.
He was found in possession of cables stolen from the vehicles.

The suspect was then handed over to the SAPS.

Peter Mokoena (37) appeared in court on March 18 facing charges of theft and trespassing. The case was postponed to a later date.