A group of suspected burglars are behind bars thanks to the vigilance and swift action of police officers of Stellenbosch Police Station.
The five men, aged between 32 and 41, were arrested by members of the Stellenbosch police’s Crime Prevention Unit early on Thursday morning (23 November). It is believed they were involved in a burglary on a farm in Jonkershoek in the early hours of the morning.
According to provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the police received information on the suspected crowbar gang that had been operating in the precinct.
“The members operationalised the information and awaited the suspicious-looking vehicle in Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch,” he said. “The vehicle was stopped with five occupants inside. The members searched the vehicle and found a television, cellphones and jewellery.”
Passing motorists informed Eikestadnuus of the commotion at the Cluver Road intersection before 08:00, with Stellenbosch police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin confirming the officers had executed the arrests. She, however, could not provide further information on the incident at that stage.
Van Wyk said when the officers continued with the search they also found house-breaking instruments such as knives, a screwdriver, balaclavas and an axe. The five suspects were immediately arrested on charges of possession of stolen property and detained.
“It was later discovered that the stolen items belonged to an 82-year-old woman, who was a victim of a house robbery perpetrated at a farm in Jonkershoek during the night,” he added.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court once charged.
