A swift and tactical police response led to the arrest of five suspects in East London after a theft victim alerted police to their whereabouts.
It is alleged that Cambridge Detectives received a complaint regarding a theft incident in Mdantsane. Acting on the information provided by the complainant, members proceeded to Gately Street in Southernwood, East London, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.
Upon arrival, police located four suspects, aged between 37 and 43, inside a room. The complainant identified them as the individuals who had robbed her and further pointed out her stolen belongings. Detectives immediately called for backup from the East London K9 Unit and Highway Patrols. With permission granted to search the premises, police uncovered more stolen items. During the search at what was identified as a bed and breakfast, a foreign national male contacted the suspects, claiming he was on the way collecting more iPhones. Police set up a tactical ambush, and upon his arrival, he was found in possession of additional stolen goods.
All five suspects, three males and two females, were detained at the East London Police Station. Police successfully recovered 15 cellphones, four handbags, clothing items, two laptops, and a VW Polo vehicle. The suspects are set to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 3 February 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and theft of cell phones.