Tuks burglar jailed
The man would befriend students, buy them alcohol and accompany them to their residence before stealing valuables.
A man has been jailed for eight years for breaking into men’s hostels at the University of Pretoria.
Zolile Vilakazi (44) was recently sentenced in the Pretoria Regional Court for stealing from students.
He was arrested in September last year
“Students reported an unknown man to the university’s security services who was frequenting their corridors and knocking on doors attempting to enter their rooms,” said Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“Security staff responded and gave chase when the trespasser tried to run away.”
Vilakazi was caught and taken to the police, who linked him to five house burglaries since March last year.
The thefts happened at Maroela, Mopanie and Boekenhout men’s residences.
“The convicted burglar also used to befriend students by buying them alcoholic drinks. He would then accompany them to their places of residences to steal their belongings,” Weilbach said.
Vilakazi would sometimes enter residences when students were attending classes or were asleep.
He would check for doors that were unlocked and would steal items such as cellphones, laptops or tablets.
“Vilakazi was also wanted on some other cases and has previous convictions for similar offences which were committed in Potchefstroom, Hillbrow, Pretoria Central and Brixton,” Weilbach said.
She urged students to lock their unattended rooms, even if it was for a quick shower or a visit to friends.
“Some of the burglaries reported by students show no sign of any forced entry. This indicates that the students negligently left a door or window open.”
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