5 nabbed in Polokwane for shoplifted goods worth R100k
Alert police officers who responded to a tip-off of a planned robbery at a local shopping centre, acted swiftly when they noticed another suspicious vehicle while on patrol.
POLOKWANE – Police officers strategically placed at Mall of the North following a tip-off of a planned bank robbery yesterday, noticed a suspicious vehicle and decided to investigate, Col Malesela Ledwaba today confirmed in a statement.
He said while their teams were split into teams, they noticed a sedan driving up and down the parking lot. The vehicle, he said, was later identified as a rental vehicle. Police waited until most shops had closed, and approached the occupants as they were about to leave the mall’s parking lot.
“Upon searching the vehicle, clothing and other items from various stores were found and the five individuals were unable to provide any proof of purchase for these items,” he said in a statement.
He said the managers of the stores in question were contacted, and all confirmed that the items were indeed stolen goods from their stores.
Police confiscated the stolen goods as well as the rental vehicle.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe praised the team for arresting the suspects and for being alert.
The suspects are set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.
Mall of the North management could not immediately be reached for comment.
