A 60-year-old suspect briefly appeared in the Somerset West Court on several charges last week.
The suspect, Andile Hleku from Gugulethu, was allegedly found in possession of stolen property in Stella Street, Somerset West, last Tuesday (9 August) at 17:00.
According to Somerset West police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, the suspect was handed over to them by security personnel after a cellphone and a bank card was found in his possession. The suspect could not provide proof of ownership.
“At 12:30 on the same day, a complainant noticed that her handbag was lying on the floor and her cellphone and cash had been stolen. The incident happened in Adam Tas Street,” Jantjies said.
Around 16:00 that day, a burglary, in which a handbag had apparently been snatched, was reported. The stolen property was recovered by security personnel.
Hleku was apparently positively linked to all three cases.
Jantjies confirmed the suspect will remain in custody and is facing three charges that include housebreaking and theft, theft and possession of stolen property.
Somerset West police station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann commended the officers for the outstanding arrest and partnership.
