Police arrested a 39-year-old man in Bloemfontein after discovering 554 stolen cellphones, tablets, and laptops valued at an estimated R2.5 million.
Operation Recovers Stolen Phones
According to South African Police Services, officers apprehended the foreign national and cellphone shop owner during a joint operation between the Parkweg Firearm Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Unit (FLASH) and the Parkweg Intervention Unit.
After police arrested 12 suspects for robberies in the Bloemfontein CBD, they intensified their efforts to combat crime in the Parkweg area.
The operation targeted individuals involved in both robberies and the illegal trade of stolen goods.
Acting on intelligence, officers raided a block of flats on Alexandra Road in Bloemfontein.
The suspect initially denied them entry but eventually allowed access. Inside, officers found ten large bags filled with various electronic devices.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 554 stolen cellphones were among the recovered items, worth an estimated R2.5 million.
Investigators believe the suspect intended to transport the goods out of Bloemfontein.
Appeal for Victims to Claim Stolen Property
The cellphone shop owner will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025.
He will face charges of possessing suspected stolen property.
Police are urging robbery victims who have not yet reported their cases to come forward with proof of ownership to reclaim their stolen devices.
The investigation team is also searching for four other foreign nationals they believe worked with the arrested man.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to follow leads and gather evidence related to the recovered stolen goods.
Should South Africa enforce tougher measures to stop the illegal trade of stolen electronics?
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