Update: 12 suspected looters arrested

Date: 20 December 2017 By: Isabel Venter

The Makhado Police confirmed on Wednesday, 20 December, that they have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the looting of an accident scene.

On Tuesday morning members of the public took advantage of an accident on the N1 north when they shamelessly looted the spilled cargo from a truck. A truck, destined for Zimbabwe that had overturned near the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnels, was interpreted as an open invitation to steal. The truck was carrying a varied load of groceries.

According to information, the driver of the truck lost control, which caused the truck to overturn. Both the driver and his passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital where they received treatment.  

The accident did not, however, seem to faze the looters as they swiped, among other things, stationery, new shoes, maize meal and mayonnaise. Some of the looters got upset when they realised they were being photographed, while others did not seemed the least bit upset and even displayed their spoils.

The fact that the looting apparently occurred in full view of local police was raised with the Makhado Police shortly after the accident.

According to the station’s spokesperson, Const Irene Radzilane, it is believed that the looters came from the nearby villages. She confirmed that the police arrested a total of 12 suspects, of which ten are women between the ages of 23 and 54 believed to be from Tshikuwi, Maname and Waterpoort.

“Our police members saw what had happened and took down the registration numbers of the vehicles on which the stolen goods were loaded,” said Radzilane. During the arrest police seized two bakkies with full loads of suspected stolen goods from the accident scene.

All 12 suspects are expected to appear before the Louis Trichardt Magistrate Court later in the week on charges of the possession of suspected stolen property.

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

More photos... 

One of the bakkies suspected of transporting the stolen goods.

One of the bakkies suspected of transporting the stolen goods.

Some of the merchandise allegedly stolen from the truck.