Quiet getaways can be so enjoyable that one may feel the need to hold onto a lasting souvenir.
A man is wanted by police in connection with several thefts at local bed and breakfast establishments. The man’s modus operandi is to book into a small overnight lodge with what he claims is his brother, then later leaping over the guest house’s wall with one of their flatscreen televisions. Curiously, the man pays for his room in full before committing his act of deception.
One of his earliest marks was 50 Galena Affordable Luxury in Kloofendal, owned by Natalja Kulikova. Using the name ‘Jose’, the suspect checked into his room with his companion and when the room was checked the next morning, the television was gone. The appliance had been secured to the wall with a special safety bracket but ‘Jose’ had a toolkit with him, something Natalja was not immediately suspicious of.
It would be several months before ‘Jose’, or this time ‘Joseph’s’ next reported crime. In mid-July the suspect checked into Ouklip Place in Wilro Park and manager Gloria Matshusa tells the same story, only this time the thieves used the washing line to get over the electric fence. Another name used by the suspect is ‘Serge’ but he always uses an asylum seekers permit with the surname ‘Tshibemba’ as identification.
Serge’s latest victim was RON Bed and Breakfast on Kingfisher Street, Horison. On Tuesday, July 19, true to form, he booked into the establishment with a friend, paid the required fees and in the morning when the room was checked, both men and the large television had vanished. “We took his contact details and he checked in with the copy of the asylum permit,” said RON manager, Omphile Tshabile.
One positive to come from the crimes is increased communication between guest house operators through a newly form WhatsApp group. Now able to share information on problematic lodgers, Natalja said, “Something good has come from it as we are now more united”.
Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke, confirmed that cases of business theft had been opened and that the incidents are under investigation.
