Pretoria Central and Vereeniging police have arrested two suspected shoplifters in Queenswood following an intelligence-driven operation.

The suspects, aged 40 and 39, were arrested on October 23 after a joint operation between the two stations; the syndicate is reportedly linked to several shoplifting cases across the province.

Led by Vereeniging detective commander Colonel Thithi, the two stations tracked down the suspects through informers.

Sergeant Matsaong and investigating officer Constable Mpontshane conducted a tracing operation.

Foiled retail target

Pretoria Central police spokesperson Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise said an informer provided information that a Clicks store in Queenswood had been identified as a target, alerting police to catch the suspects in the act.

”After they received the lead, the team acted swiftly. Upon arrival, they stalled briefly until the suspects were seen exiting the store. They were immediately cornered and found in possession of suspected stolen items (cosmetic brands) at an estimated value of R8 000 wrapped in foil,” said Nkhumise.

The suspects could not produce receipts to confirm they bought the items in the store.

Nkhumise said the shop was immediately contacted and confirmed the items were in its inventory.

The suspects were taken to Pretoria Central and appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court, where they were both denied bail pending further investigation.

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