POLOKWANE – A 31-year-old man, Thabang Shiang, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, facing charges of arson, business burglary, and possession of stolen property.

His case has been postponed to Wednesday, 3 September 2025, for a formal bail application.

According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the spokesperson for the Limpopo police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning (August 26).

“The suspect entered the Community Service Centre (CSC) at the Polokwane police station and asked to use the restroom. Officers on duty directed him to the bathroom but became suspicious when he did not return. When they went to check, they found him at the stairway holding a bag. Upon searching him, officers discovered he was in possession of SAPS property, including computers and other equipment,” says Ledwaba.

A preliminary investigation revealed that several offices in the building had been broken into, with property stolen, items damaged, and parts of the premises set on fire.

Recovered items included a desktop computer, a laptop bag with charger, a police reflector, an ink pad, speakers, and an extension cord.

Police immediately arrested the suspect.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and warned that law enforcement would act decisively against anyone targeting police facilities or state property.