Four (4) suspects are in police custody following their arrest on Tuesday morning after police acted on an intelligence driven operation around Ipopeng and Freedom Square in Mangaung.

A principal from the local school in Olive Hill, Navalsig, received an alarm notification from school.  Upon arrival at about 08:30 he realised that a window to the storeroom was broken.  He opened and discovered that 18 HP laptops, school feeding scheme grocery and projector all valued at R78 000-00 were stolen.  A case of burglary was opened for investigation.

On Tuesday 12 October 2021 at about 09:00, Navalsig SAPS acted on an intelligence driven information around Ipopepng and Freedom Square.  The first suspect was apprehended in Ipopeng where one laptop was recovered.  Information led police to Freedom Square where 11 more laptops were recovered and three suspects apprehended.

Upon further investigation police recovered three more laptops that were already sold to a second hand goods dealer in town.  Investigations are underway to recover the remaining laptops.  The four suspects aged between 17 and 25 are expected to appear before Bloemfontein Magistrate Court soon facing charges of business burglary and possession of suspected stolen property.

Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane advices residents to refrain from buying suspected stolen goods as they will also be charged.  She further encouraged second hand goods dealers to request proof of ownership upon buying second hand goods.

Source: South African Police Service