Two 18-year-olds were arrested on Friday morning (January 27) after a police officer from Ladysmith disguised himself in order to catch the two thieves.
It all began when members of the community spotted three men acting suspiciously, walking around and surveying properties in the Egerton area.
A member of the public informed the Ladysmith SAPS Youth Desk co-ordinator, Warrant Officer Bongani Magasela, what they had noticed.
The officer secured the location of the three, as well as their description, before rushing home to quickly change into a ‘civilian clothing disguise’. He then walked into the area where the suspects were, subtly following them in order to keep an eye on their movements. His efforts soon paid off when he saw the three jump over a property wall and remove items from inside the premises.
The officer continued to observe the men, who then jumped back over the wall and out of the premises. Only now they had two garden chairs and a hose pipe in their possession.
The officer called for back-up from a passing CI member, and also enlisted help from Ladysmith Vispol and Ladysmith TRT. As uniformed officers closed in on the thieves, one of the suspects managed to elude capture while the other two were arrested.
Police are currently searching for the suspect who fled the scene.
The arrested suspects are due to appear in court today (February 1) on charges of theft.
This incident is a good example of what can happen when you combine the efforts of a vigilant member of the community with the quick-thinking actions of a dedicated policeman.
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