A 34-year-old man who was sought for the theft of R35 000 worth of household items from his mother’s house was arrested by Reaction Officers.
The woman registered a criminal case against her drug-addicted son in April 2022 after she arrived home from an outing and discovered her washing machine, fridge, tv cabinet, Skyworth tv, fridge, freezer, microwave, cash, and clothing missing. There was no forced entry into the home and her Rock Cocaine addicted son could not be located. He was living with her at the time of the incident but was later barred from entering the property. He continuously returned to the premises and forcefully demanded cash. He fled when she contacted Law Enforcement to have him arrested. He has been evading authorities since.
The victim contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) begging for assistance to apprehend her son. The emotional woman informed Reaction Officers that there were previous incidents of theft from her home, however, she only registered a criminal case in April 2022 after she discovered that her home had been ransacked and emptied of all valuables & furniture.
This morning at approximately 09:06, RUSA Members received information that the accused was in a bush near Katzkop Drive. Reaction Officers proceeded to the location and after a brief search arrested the suspect in the dense vegetation.
In a follow up operation, the suspect led Reaction Officers and Detectives from the Verulam SAPS to a tavern in Mountview – KZN. The stolen fridge, Skyworth TV, a bed and TV stand were recovered. It was established that the suspect informed the owner of the tavern that the goods belonged to him and was for sale. The man hired a bakkie and proceeded to the suspects home where they loaded the stolen goods. He was in possession of an offer to purchase which was signed by the accused. The agreement stipulated that he purchased the goods for R1600. The microwave, washing machine, and freezer were recovered at a second home in Mountview – KZN.
All exhibits and the suspect were transported to SAPS Verulam.