Rietgat police, north of Pretoria have welcomed the sentencing of a man in his 20s for theft of toiletries at Shoprite Batho Plaza in December 2021.

Spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said the police were happy with the three years’ imprisonment of Thabo Hlatshwayo, after being found in possession of 10 roll-ons that he had not paid for on the morning of December 17, 2021.

Hlwatshwayo was sentenced at the Soshanguve magistrate’s court for shoplifting.

“According to the investigating officer, the convict was caught in the store and warned several times prior to the final arrest in December, where his luck ran out,” he said.

Maluleka further appealed to the community for assistance in crime.

“Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of any suspect selling stolen items in the community, have illegal dealings or any other suspect terrorising communities should call Rietgat SAPS on 071 675 6250 or directly contact Rietgat station commander Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto on 082 455 8236.

Maphoto has since applauded the constable for the conviction.

He warned those who were undermining the law that all crimes would be prioritised no matter what was stolen or taken.

“We are sending a strong message to the community that we are policing through this conviction and that we are here to ensure that justice is served. If you thought that you will commit crime and get away with it, you have got another thing coming.

“Time for terrorising the community and businesses is over,” said Maphoto.