Law enforcement make major busts

Three men were arrested for burglary and a man and woman were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs.

October 4, 2016

Gopolang Chawane and Ramaupi Makgoo 2 minutes read

The street value of the seized drugs stood at R100 000.

Three burglars were arrested after they burgled two homes in Pretoria East on Wednesday.

The three men were caught in the act after they burgled a home in Meyerspark.

Police spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato said the trio had disengaged the electric gate from its rail and made their way into the first residence.

“As they attempted to break into the first home, they triggered the alarm and gave up.”

They then went to a neighbour’s home – which was directly behind the first house they had attempted to break into.

“There the trio gained entry.”

Sepato said a resident spotted the suspicious activity and alerted other residents.

Neighbours rallied outside the house the burglars were in.

“A security guard from a local firm soon arrived to find the restless neighbours. The security guard parked directly behind the Toyota Conquest the men were travelling in blocking the car,” said Sepato.

He said as the trio came out of the house the police were alerted and they were arrested.

The men were expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court soon.

Sepato thanked the residents and security firm for their role in the arrest.

“It is through a fruitful partnership between residents, security firms and the police that criminals can be brought to book.”

He warned residents against taking the law into their hands.

Sepato had yet to confirm the name of the security company at the time of publishing.

Meanwhile, two people were arrested after police discovered a drug lab in Lanceria on Saturday.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the men were arrested after police received a tip-off about their illicit operations.

“The Tshwane metro police drug team was doing a follow-up on a tip-off about a drug house in Lanceria. The information was received a month ago about a drug called magic mushroom that was being sold around Pretoria,” said Mahamba.

“The drug comes in pill form. After thorough investigation, the officers raided the house and discovered the drug lab inside the smallholding. They found drugs, drug manufacturing equipment and materials with an estimated street value of R100 000.”

“A 41-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman found in the lab were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs. They are currently detained at Muldersdrift police station and will appear in court soon,” he said.