Plessislaer Crime Intelligence Project Team members, from left, Constable Sandile Phungulu, Sergeant Khetha Sibiya and Warrant Officer Sibusiso Zaca display recovered stolen airtime vouchers. Picture: Shan Pillay Plessislaer Crime Intelligence Project Team members, from left, Constable Sandile Phungulu, Sergeant Khetha Sibiya and Warrant Officer Sibusiso Zaca display recovered stolen airtime vouchers. Picture: Shan Pillay
KwaZulu-Natal - Police have arrested three suspected safe-breakers and recovered part of a R2-million haul – including jewellery, about R1.4m in cellphone airtime vouchers, cellphones and cash – believed to have been stolen from a Pietermaritzburg pawnbroker.
Plessislaer Crime Intelligence Project Team officers swooped on the three Malawians on Monday as they were disembarking from a Greyhound bus in Pietermaritzburg after returning from Joburg, where they were believed to have gone to sell their loot.
It is alleged the three broke into the premises of One Touch Cell Shop and Fairdeal Pawn Brokers in Gallwey Lane, in the CBD, on Friday.
The men apparently gained entry into the shop by removing an air-conditioner. They then cut their way into a safe with an angle grinder, steel chisel and bolt cutters; avoiding sensors in the safe.
Police believe the men may be part of the “Roof Wall Gang” and have urged other victims to contact investigating officer, Warrant Officer VV Madlala at 082 595 1262.
The men had allegedly gone to Gauteng to sell 30 cellphones, including 10 Blackberrys; jewellery and airtime vouchers and had returned to Pietermaritzburg with the balance of their loot.
The three were due to appear in court soon. - Daily News