KEY POINTS
- A SANParks employee was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a police storeroom.
- The suspect was granted bail, but police say additional charges may follow.
- Law enforcement officials stress that no one is above the law.
A South African National Parks (SANParks) employee accused of breaking into a police storeroom and stealing state-owned property has been released on R1,000 ($53.55) bail.
The 52-year-old suspect, identified as Johannes de Beer, appeared in the Masoyi District Court after allegedly burglarizing the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit storeroom in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.
According to police reports, the break-in occurred on January 23, 2025, with investigators alleging that de Beer stole crime scene equipment, cleaning materials, and a set of knives.
Authorities suspect that the storeroom was targeted twice, with both incidents possibly linked to the same suspect.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for the police, said the suspect’s actions raised suspicions among members of the Stock Theft Unit, prompting an internal investigation.
“Officers noticed something unusual outside the storeroom, and upon closer inspection, they discovered it had been burglarized. Some items were missing,” Mdhluli said.
Suspect allegedly tried to cover up the crime
Following the discovery of the break-in, police launched an investigation that eventually led to the suspect’s arrest on Tuesday.
According to IOL, officers believe that de Beer attempted to conceal his crime by restoring some of the stolen items to their original locations.
However, his efforts were unsuccessful, leading to his apprehension.
The suspect is currently facing charges of business burglary. Investigators keep gathering evidences, while maintaining the possibility to file additional charges.
His case has been postponed to March 25, 2025.
Police emphasize commitment to fighting crime
Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial police commissioner for Mpumalanga, said law enforcement remains committed to tackling crime and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
“We do not want any disruptions to our crime-fighting efforts in the park, including combating poaching. We are pleased that an arrest was made swiftly following the break-in,” Mkhwanazi said.
He warned that the law protects all citizens equally, so no one stands above it.
“People must understand that anyone who commits a crime will be arrested. The case is before the court, and we trust that justice will take its course,” he added.
Authorities remain active in investigating this case while simultaneously seeking anyone who has information about it.
