By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Motlhaki John Mokoena (63) was arrested on Saturday, 24 January, after police, working alongside local community crime prevention leaders, discovered a house in Phuthaditjhaba near Witsieshoek Primary School containing a large cache of stolen goods.
Spokesperson for SAPS Thabo Mofutsanyana, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, confirmed that Mokoena was scheduled to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on 27 January and will remain in police custody pending further investigations.
Solly Ntlhane of Qwaqwa Crime Combat, speaking to the media, said the operation, conducted with the assistance of Phuthaditjhaba SAPS, uncovered household appliances, electronic devices, printers, and other stolen items.
“With intelligence from our people on the ground, our investigation led us to this house. We urge community members who have been victims of burglaries to come and check if any of their belongings have been recovered,” Ntlhane said.
Joseph Radebe of BoNtate Ba Diphafa noted that among the items recovered were electric wires, billboards, and other municipal property, highlighting the ongoing challenges with theft and vandalism in the area.
“It is clear this house was a den of thieves and part of our many problems,” Radebe said.
Ntlhane emphasised the dedication of local crime prevention groups to ensuring safety in Qwaqwa.
“Our intention is to ensure that our community is free from crime. We will do everything to protect our grandmothers, our sisters, and everyone in our streets,” he said.
