A CHURCH in Wentworth was burgled by two brazen criminals on Wednesday, 13 April.
It was through the church’s stolen fridge, that police managed to catch the two culprits. While performing crime prevention duties, Cpt Lawrence Lottering and another officer was stopped by the pastor of the church who told them the church had been broken into. “He was just about to call the police but luckily our men were in the area,” said communication officer, Lt Mbuso Gumede.
When officers went to investigate they noticed the wooden double door at the back of the church was open and the metal shutter folded upwards. The pastor pointed out to Cpt Lottering that two speakers had been taken. He also showed them where the toilet window was broken and burglar guard cut, indicating a point of entrance.
While they went outside to inspect further, a man who lives nearby told police that he knows who the thieves are as they had sold a fridge to his neighbour. He directed the officers to his neighbour’s room and also showed them where the fridge was stored. “The fridge was identified by the pastor as the church’s property and it was handed back to him. The witness then took the officers to where the suspects were in Tuin Road,” added Lt Gumede.
He pointed out the ‘man who took the fridge to his neighbour and he was placed under arrest. They made their way to a second suspect’s house and the witness pointed him out as he was walking towards the police van. He was also arrested and both were detained at the station.
All stolen items were returned, much to the relief of the pastor.
