SAPS recruitment drive help police net an alleged thief (suspect) who was on the run for a while
Bethal: Police recruitment drive has helped police net a long sought possible thief in Bethal.
Thomas Ngcobo (40) has allegedly been on the run for the past seven years after allegedly stealing materials he was supposed to deliver to clients.
The accused, Thomas Ngcobo (40) appeared before Bethal Magistrate Court yesterday, 16 August 2022 and the matter was postponed to 28 August 2022 for verification of address and formal bail application. The accused was remanded in custody.
According to information on police disposal, the suspect was supposed to make Hardware material delivery worth more R20 000. It is alleged that the said material was redirected to another address without either the owner’s concern or knowledge.
Also read: Human skeleton found, suspect arrested
The suspect’s alleged dirty tricks were uncovered a week later after the manager decided to check invoices. It was realised that two invoices were missing and other materials delivered to the wrong addresses.
The matter was reported to the police and a case of theft was registered in September 2015 at Bethal SAPS.
Thomas Ngcobo was unexpectedly nabbed on Monday, 15 August 2022 after he visited the Bethal SAPS to make enquiries about his application for the police recruitment drive.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has taken the opportunity of the arrest to warn offenders who are still on the run from authorities that police are closing all the nets for them and they will soon be arrested. “We are working tirelessly day and night, sticking to our mandate of creating a safe environment for all citizens. We cannot achieve that stage whilst other suspects are still roaming the streets and terrorizing the communities. It is just a matter of time before we bring them to justice” warned the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous