KEY POINTS
- During their arrest two suspects were caught trying to sell cement with a value of R66,000 which turned out to be stolen property.
- Theft took place when cement from Coega company premises disappeared during transport to Bethelsdorp.
- All the suspects are to be taken to the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of theft.
A rapid Bethelsdorp Eastern Cape police action stopped two suspects from selling stolen R66,000 worth of cement at a hardware store. Police discovered 17 stolen pallets of cement at Coega before stopping a car convoy that participated in the illegal theft.
Police intercept illicit cement sale
Law enforcement agencies made their arrests during Saturday February 22 after obtaining information about pending stolen cement transactions. The law enforcement personnel positioned themselves around the store at Barberry Drive Bethelsdorp to watch the suspects during their arrival.
The silver Suzuki Electra arrived in the parking lot and a big truck with two trailer compartments containing cement followed behind. The Hyundai vehicle which had placed itself behind the convoy made police suspect there might be more to the situation. Law enforcement agents seized the suspects aged 32 and 41 while they were concluding the illegal deal.
Further investigation underway
Detective authorities determined that the stolen cement came from a Coega business and retained a value of R66,300. The authorities booked the suspects with theft offenses alongside possessing suspected stolen merchandise. The authorities took control of all vehicles participating in the investigation for examination purposes.
During their court appearance the suspects will stand before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday February 24. The local law enforcement agencies have demonstrated their dedication to fighting organized theft operations in their territory.
