Bloemfontein police have arrested a man who allegedly stole a vehicle at a 21st birthday party in Heidedal on 27 June. The vehicle belonged to a member of the host family.

Sgt. Sinah Mpakane, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, who is known by the names Pogisho and Kagisho. He was arrested in Thaba Nchu at midnight on Thursday following an intensive investigation into the vehicle theft. A photo of the suspect was circulated on social media.

Mpakane said the suspect was traced to an informal settlement in Thaba Nchu, where the vehicle was also recovered. The suspect is set to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon, facing a charge of theft of a motor vehicle.

Mpakane said that according to information the complainant provided, the man was among the attendees at a 21st birthday party held at a house in Hibiscus Street, Heidedal.

She said he allegedly drove off with the car, a Datsun Go, without the complainant’s permission, taking the opportunity when the complainant and her cousin went inside the house.

According to Mpakane, the car keys were left in the ignition as they were still playing music from the car radio. A case of motor vehicle theft was registered after the suspect’s disappearance and failure to return the car to the rightful owners.