Johannesburg – Police in Gauteng have arrested seven suspects thought to be part of a business fraud and looting syndicate that has made off with stolen goods including tyres, car parts and computers.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the syndicate has been targeting businesses in the city.
“It is alleged that the stolen goods are then distributed and sold locally and in neighbouring countries,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo
“To date, seven suspects, who were found with stolen goods worth thousands of rand, have been arrested.
“The suspects, local and foreign nationals, were nabbed at different locations around Gauteng, between the 22nd and 24th of February 2023.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said on the 12th of February 2023 a company situated in Benoni, Ekurhuleni lost car tyres worth R5 Million to the syndicate.
A criminal case was opened and a team of law enforcement agencies, including police’s crime intelligence, was assembled to hunt for the suspects.
The police received a tip-off about the syndicate and its operations.
Following up on the information, the police investigative team traced and arrested the suspects.
Some of the tyres and other stolen goods were recovered, said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
The suspects will appear in court soon and more arrests were expected.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, applauded the team of law enforcement agencies that are pulling together to tackle crime in Gauteng.
