The South African Police Service(SAPS) members have arrested three suspects who were caught off-guard with containers of stolen diesel at Intabazwe near Harrismith in Free State.
The arrest of the suspects came through a thorough intelligence driven operation by the Public Order Police Unit.
According to SAPS,on 03 November 2023 at approximately 04:00,the Harrismith Public Order Police Unit were on duty for their daily crime prevention routine.At about 06:00 they received information with regard stolen diesel kept at certain place at Intabazwe,Matlharantlheng section near airfield.
Police added that the team immediately followed up information which led to arrest of three suspects aged 28,33 and 44 who were found in possession of suspected stolen diesel.A total of 14 containers(25 litres) of diesel and a black bakkie were seized.
Police said the trio is expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrates' Court on Monday,06 November 2023,facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Police statement concluded,as police we urge truck drivers to be aware of people stealing fuel from their parked trucks.According to reports it is also alleged that some of the truck drivers stop along the roads,selling fuel to thieves.Theft of fuel is serious and such criminals will be dealt with accordingly.
In another incident,police in the Free State Province arrested bank card scammers after a long high-speed chase.
According to police,on 03 November 2023 at about 07:00,Welkom K9 Unit members were informed about occupants of a silver sedan who robbed a bank card at Mannys,Kroonstad.The suspects were chased by Kroonstad Neighbourhood Watch.A way-lay was conducted and the vehicle was spotted travelling at high-speed from Kroonstad direction and was intercepted near Riebeeckstad,Welkom by members of Welkom K9 Unit.
It looks like these criminals are on mission of terrorising people in different locations around Free State.
Police said while members were busy searching the two occupants,cash to the value of R3100 was found.Preliminary investigation revealed that the same suspects were at Senekal,a person was robbed of his bank card and cash that amounts to R3700 was withdrawn.The suspects,aged 36 and 48,were travelling with a rented vehicle,from a rental service of Welkom.
"The two suspects were arrested for common robbery,possession of suspected stolen property and reckless and negligent driving.
The following items were seized:a silver Hyndai i20 with GP registration numbers,two cellphones,two Okapi knives,one black cap,one cream cap,slips and papers and cash that amounts to R3100,"police statement concluded.
These criminals are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrates' Court soon.