Suspected members of shoplifting syndicate caught
Police arrested a Zimbabwean man and his South African counterpart, after it was found that they had stolen goods worth almost R8 000 from Checkers Hyperama.
They are believed to be members of a notorious shoplifting syndicate operating across the province.
According to Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, the syndicate’s ‘shopping spree’ came to an end on Tuesday afternoon, January 26.
“The security guards at the store noticed the pair behaving suspiciously and decided to keep watch. The two were seen wrapping items in foil, before stashing the parcels in a bag.
“Our members were then alerted to the suspicious behaviour and managed to arrest the two after they were caught leaving the store with the stolen items,” said Ngobese.
The suspects were charged with theft and they made their first court appearance on Wednesday, January 27.
Information has since emerged that the light-fingered shoplifting syndicate operates throughout the province, consisting of ‘runners’, who do the actual stealing from chain stores and supermarkets.
Kingpins then reward the runners for their loot.
“It is likely that these two have in the past also targeted other businesses, therefore our detectives are still trying to establish how many stores the syndicate has hit.”-@FanieFLK
