A 52-year-old South African National Parks (SANParks) employee has been arrested in connection with a break-in at the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit storeroom in Skukuza.

The burglary, which took place on January 23, resulted in the theft of state-owned crime scene equipment, cleaning materials, and sets of knives.

Investigators believe the suspect forced entry into the container used as a storeroom and took various items used in crime scene investigations, particularly those related to poaching, said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

"According to the investigation, the storeroom seems to have been broken twice, allegedly by the same suspect. Members of the Stock Theft Unit became suspicious when they noticed that something was odd outside the storeroom, and they began to investigate. It was during the course of the investigation when members discovered that the storeroom was indeed burgled and some items were stolen," said Mdhluli.

Following the report of the burglary, police began an investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect on Tuesday, February 4. Officers believe that he attempted to conceal the crime by restoring some items to their original places, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

The suspect is due to appear in Masoyi District Court today, February 5, facing charges of business burglary. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue.

Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that law enforcement will not tolerate criminal activity.

"We do not want anything that may disturb our operations related to crime-fighting in the park, including poaching. We are glad that an arrest was swiftly made after a break-in in one of our storerooms.

"People should take note that anyone who commits crime will be arrested, regardless of their status or positions. The matter is going to court, and we believe that the law will take its course without fear of favour," said Mkhwanazi.

IOL News