Three men suspected of stealing more than R100 000 worth of electronic equipment in two robberies in Uitenhage this week, were arrested in a joint SAPS operation yesterday, 21 April.
The suspects were found with equipment stolen from two premises which they allegedly broke into on 20 and 21 April.
The arrested men were allegedly found with R50 000 worth of electronics equipment stolen from a training centre in Kruisrivier Road early yesterday morning. SAP investigations revealed the suspects were also linked with the 1.15 am robbery at the SPCA in Schonland Street, Uitenhage on Wednesday this week.
It is alleged the same suspects threatened a security official and robbed him at the SPCA premises. Items stolen from both businesses were recovered by police.
Lt Gerda Swart of the SAP Corporate Communication in the EC said on 21 April the suspects and two others allegedly broke into the centre and fled on foot with computers and welding machines etc and made their way through thick bush in the area. Uitenhage police members responded to an alarm that went off shortly before 1 am at the training centre.
At 2 am in the joint operation members from the Port Elizabeth Airwing, PE and Uitenhage K9, Uitenhage SAPS and the Public Order Police carried out a search and arrested the three suspects between 25-30 years of age. The police are searching for the other two suspects still at large yesterday. The SAPS says it will leave no stone unturned until they are also apprehended.
The three suspects are due to appear on several cases of business robberies in the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court soon.
Uitenhage Station Commander, Brigadier Leonie Bentley, praised the members for the efficient and effective manner in which they conducted the operation which had such positive results. Teamwork between the different units also contributed to the speedy arrest of the suspects.
(Edited by Bev Mortimer)
St Francis Chronicle 