Umkomaas police recover school resources valued at R1m
Three suspects are expected to appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrate's Court.
Police have noticed a recent spike in business robberies and burglaries with a similar modus operandi – schools were burgled and photocopying machines and large amounts of photocopying paper were stolen.
The Umkomaas police station’s Investigative Operation Team led by acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Mthembeni Zungu and Detective Commander Lieutenant Colonel John Ngema’s swift action led to various pro-active measures being put in place.
“Informers were cultivated by investigating officers to apprehend suspects and recover the much-needed equipment and paper for the schools,” explained spokesperson Captain Ranjith Rampersad.
Planned proactive operations led to the arrest of three suspects last Thursday.
“A well-orchestrated crime intelligence driven operation by the Serious and Violent Crimes team led to a Chatsworth warehouse which was raided by Umkomaas police,” added Rampersad.
“Police recovered photocopying machines and a large quantity of photocopying paper valued at R1m in a sting operation led by Detective Captain Maya Chetty, the detective team and crime prevention members.”
According to Umkomaas Saps, there are numerous other cases registered at various police stations which are linked, and this is indicative of organised crime with these criminals operating in the North Coast, Inanda, South Coast, KwaMashu and Ndwedwe – hence the investigation continues.
The three suspects will appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court.
“A call is made to all stakeholders to assist in the protection of government property. Join the Umkomaas Community Police Forum to be the ears and eyes of the police,” said Rampersad.
Zungu placed on record the excellent operational response from his management team, his highly skilled detectives and police officers.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
