Skukuza SAPS storeroom burglary: Former SANParks official granted bail

The Masoyi District Court granted former SANParks official Johannes de Beer (52), facing business burglary charges, R1 000 bail yesterday.

Lowvelder reports he was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the burglary at the Stock Theft and Endangered Species units’ storeroom in Skukuza on January 23. Several state-owned items, such as crime scene bags and other equipment used at crime scenes, were stolen.

A case was opened, and the initial investigation led to De Beer’s arrest. His next court appearance is on March 10.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli says the SAPS cannot rule out the possibility of more charges being added against the suspect as the investigation continues.

“It is alleged that on the day of the burglary, the suspect somehow forced the storeroom container open and entered it. He allegedly helped himself to various state-owned items, which members of the police unit use during investigations of poaching-related incidents, as well as some cleaning materials and sets of knives.

“The storeroom seems to have been broken into twice by the same suspect. Members of the Stock Theft Unit became suspicious when they noticed that something was odd outside the storeroom, and they began to investigate. It was during the course of the investigation that members discovered that the storeroom had been burgled.”

Mdhluli adds the suspect allegedly tried to cover his tracks by putting some items back.

“The motive behind this burglary is still unknown,” he says.

SANParks confirmed De Beer’s arrest and says he had resigned from his position on Monday.