Swift action by members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Bloemfontein has led to the arrest of three individuals for possession of suspected stolen property in two separate incidents.
In the first incident, members of the Unit received intelligence led information about a residence in Bochabela, Bloemfontein, used to store stolen electronic devices. It is alleged that the items were proceeds from robberies targeting students in the Bloemfontein Central Business District (CBD).
Members proceeded to the identified house in Bochabela. Upon searching the premises, they discovered six cellphones, one camera and one laptop. Two suspects, 28-year-old male and a 19-year-old female, were found in possession of these items and were immediately arrested.
In a separate but related incident;
Anti-Gang Unit members received further intelligence led information concerning a foreign national involved in purchasing stolen cellphones in the Bloemfontein CBD.
Members promptly attended to this information and located the suspect at a Cellular Store in Charlotte Maxeke Street at about 14:30. Upon investigation, several cellphones were found in the suspect’s possession for which he could not provide any proof of ownership thereof.
The 42-year-old foreign national male was arrested and will face charges of possession of suspected stolen property and for contravention of the Immigration Act (undocumented).
The Free State police commends the vigilance of the Crime Intelligence Unit and the swift response of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in these successful operations. These arrests underscore our commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents, including students, in Bloemfontein.
The investigation into both cases is ongoing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
