Man arrested in P1.2 million jewellery theft
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday February 21, 2017 15:03
Borakanelo Police station commander, superintendent Mothusi Phadi told Mmegi that they managed to arrest a man aged between 30-35 who is helping them with investigations.
Phadi said they arrested the suspect on Saturday afternoon in possession of some jewellery identified by the shop owner who confirmed them to be some of the items stolen.
“We arrested him in possession of wedding rings, bracelets and necklaces. When interviewed, he confirmed that together with other guys who are still at large, they broke into the shop and stole the jewellery,” said Phadi.
He said the hunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
“We are pleading with members of the community to help us locate the remaining suspects.
Anyone with information that could help us should contact the nearest police,” said Phadi.
He pleaded with members of the public not to buy just any jewellery and alert the police of suspicious characters.
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) public relations officer, Jayson Chabota confirmed the case, stating that the incident happened on Thursday at Malaika jewellery shop located at Masa premises.
He said the owner of the shop closed it on Thursday late evening and in the early hours of Friday, he received a report that their shop has been broken into.
“The owner of the jewellery shop was alerted about the break-in by other businesses operating in the neighbourhood and found the shop broken into with jewellery worth over P1.2 million missing,” said Chabota.
Chabota said diamond rings, earrings, bracelets and silver necklaces were stolen.
He said police investigations are continuing and they appeal to the members of the public to help with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
He said break-in are a concern countrywide, in homes and shops with the thieves targeting electronics, money and other valuables.
“The culprits usually are Batswana hence pleading with members of the community for help when they suspect anything because these people live amongst us,” said Chabota.