Kimberley - Congregants in Kimberley have fallen prey to criminals during church services, as vehicles parked in front of places of worship are targeted by thieves.
Among others, police are investigating a case of attempted theft from a motor vehicle as well as the illegal possession of a police uniform, which lead to one arrest on Sunday, at about 10am, when a 37-year-old man was found allegedly attempting to steal wheels (mags) from a Opel Corsa vehicle.
Spokesman for the police in the Northern Cape, Captain Sergio Kock, said on Tuesday that the owner of the vehicle was in church, with his vehicle parked in front of the venue, at the time of the incident.
“The incident occurred in Fabricia, Kimberley,” said Kock. “Police also confiscated several vehicle jacks, spanners and the blue VW Polo Classic which was allegedly utilised in the criminal activities.”
“The Kimberley neighbourhood watch pounced on the suspect and immediately contacted the SAPS Flying Squad for assistance. Police also found a police uniform inside the vehicle, as the suspect is an ex-police officer,” said Kock
He added that police also followed up on information and retrieved some mag wheels that were apparently stolen from a Corsa bakkie parked at another church in Carters Glen on Sunday, March 19.
“Police are also investigating a separate charge of theft from a motor vehicle in this regard,” Kock said.
“Anyone with information regarding the incidents or who may have been a victim of a similar crime can contact Detective Warrant Officer Henk Van Der Merwe on 082 447 1250.”
The suspect will be appearing in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. The investigation continues.
Meanwhile, according to Saamstaan Kimberley coordinator Linja van Wyk, churches have not been the only targets in recent weeks but have certainly appeared to be preferred for this type of crime.
“Last Sunday, we heard that a number of churches, including the NG Church Bakenskop, had experienced this type of crime,” said Van Wyk.
“Then, on Sunday, we received a call from a member of the congregation at the NG Church in Ophelia Street, informing us that there were people busy stealing mags off cars. When we arrived on the scene in Herlear, the car guards on duty said that they had seen the suspects but had been unable to detain them before they drove off.”