BLOEMFONTEIN - Five suspects were arrested by a task team made up of Mangaung Visible Policing Unit, Detective Branch and Bomb Disposal Unit led by Captain Tsietsi Mapuru for house breaking, theft of stationery, malicious damage to property and possession of suspected stolen property earlier today, 7 January 2023.

Police received information from the community members who learned of the break-in at Gonyane Primary School and knew of possible suspects in Joe Slovo Location in Phahameng. Members were quickly mobilised and followed up the information.

The team searched the first house in Joe Slovo Location and recovered some of the stolen stationery. The first suspect, a 20-year-old male was arrested. Information led to the arrest of the second suspect, 21-year-old male still in Joe Slivo. The third suspect was arrested at a house in Dr Lebona Street where the school is situated.

The three suspects then led the team to two stores where they sold the other stationery. The first 36-year-old store manager was arrested in Bataung Street. Another store manager, 37-year-old was arrested back in Joe Slovo Location - Phahameng. Different books, rulers, rubbers, pens, pencils, sharpeners and other kinds of stationery was recovered from the stores.

The five suspects will appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Monday 9 January 2023. Investigation in the case continues and further arrests are expected.

Source: South African Police Service