BLOEMFONTEIN – The Bloemfontein police strongly warn the public about a sharp increase in theft of high-value gate motors by a syndicate in Bloemfontein. The Parkweg police station reported that numerous residents have reported incidents of gate motor theft between 23 and 26 November.
Lt Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the Free State police in Bloemfontein, said that according to reports received, most of the incidents took place in the early morning between 02:00 and 06:00. “The types of motor gates targeted are Centurion-made, black and green in colour. The value ranges between R12 000 and R15 000,” he said.
Covane said incidents took place in Universitas, Westdene and Fleurdal. He said the streets from which the gate motors were stolen include De Bruyn Street, Wikkie Saayman Street, Koos van der Walt Street, Ockie Geyser Street, Deryc k Nel Street, Stoffel van Wyk, Rhyno Kriel Avenue, and Veen Crescent in Universitas.
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The police have yet to make arrests in connection with the motor gate crimes, but potential suspects have been identified. Two suspects were identified with the help of closed-circuit camera footage. The first suspect was wearing a blue jacket and black trousers. The second one was wearing a red sports jacket and black trousers.
“The suspects were driving in a red Audi with a sunroof and dark windows,” said Covane.
Any member of the public who might have information about the theft incidents or a place where motor gate parts are sold illegally is requested to contact the investigating officer Capt. Sabata Jafta Moseme on 082 526 2713. Alternatively, the information can be submitted on the MySAPS App, or members of the public can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
