Africa-Press – South-Africa. North West police have arrested a Bidvest Protea Coin Security guard and an Impala Platinum employee for the theft of catalytic converters worth R1.7 million, tampering with essential infrastructure, theft and gangsterism.
Aubrey Loeto and Thys Monchusi were arrested on Thursday.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Henry Mamothame, the two were arrested after the Rustenburg Organised Crime Unit received a tip-off from Bidvest Protea Coin about one of company’s vehicles which was spotted transporting catalytic converters from Impala Platinum Mine.
He said police traced the vehicle and the information led them to a house where a third suspect, who is still at large, had hid the equipment in a rented shack in Lemenong section, Phokeng.
“Monchusi was arrested on the scene while Loeto was traced and found at Boitekong, and subsequently returned to where the stolen goods were stored, where he confirmed that the goods were stolen from the platinum mine.
“The duo further confirmed that a third person, who is their ally, is linked to the crime. The two will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, while the search for the third suspect continues,” said Mamothame.
Rachel Makhari, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrests and commended law enforcement for their swift response.
The case was postponed to Friday for a formal bail application. Mamothame said the State planned to oppose bail.
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