A MAN convicted of house break-in and theft was sentenced to three years in prison at the Durban Regional Court recently. Jeremy van der Byl, 49, was found guilty of theft and house-break-in cases committed in January.

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Wentworth police spokesperson Captain Mbuso Gumede said Van der Byl was charged for house break-in with intent to steal and theft.

“On January 21 at about 23:45 an elderly man was at his home when he heard a loud bang coming from the garage. He went out to the garage to investigate what was happening. Upon arrival he saw an unknown man inside trying to hide behind the cars.

“Upon seeing the complainant, the accused jumped in between the wall and the garage gate, holding a gas stove with a sack. He ran down the road. The complainant pressed the panic button which alerted his neighbours. The suspect fled the complainant’s house with the stolen items in his possession.”

Gumede said the complainant gave chase on foot.

“The neighbours, who heard the commotion while the accused was trying to make his way out of the complainant’s premises, gave chase until the accused was caught not far from the complainant’s house,” said Gumede.

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Gumede added, “The Wentworth police were called and responded swiftly. Upon arrival the suspect was handed over to the police.”

The police recovered these items from the accused:

• Gas stove,
• Iron,
• DStv cable,
• Pair of sandals,
• Tape measure and air cooler

“He was charged for theft and house break-in with intent to steal. During the police investigation the investigating officer, Detective Constable Delron Leslie, obtained statements from the witnesses. Valuable evidence was collected and the matter was ready for court on January 23,” said Gumede.

During the accused’s court appearances Leslie opposed bail, citing that the accused had previous convictions of burglaries, attempted burglaries and illegal drug possession.

“The management of Wentworth police station commended Leslie for the recent conviction. We also praised the neighbours and the complainant for their swift reaction in apprehending the accused.”

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