SOUTH AFRICA STATE OWNED COMPUTERS STOLENStolen goods recoveredStolen goods recovered
05/03/2004 10:01 - (SA)

King William's Town - Bisho detectives this week recovered stolen property, mostly state owned computers, valued at about R530 000, and arrested 36 people during a crime prevention operation, Eastern Cape police said.

Captain Michelle Matroos said an increase in housebreakings and theft from government departments resulted in a plan of action being put in place by detectives "to curb the escalation".

"Members assisted by information from the community conducted raids at residential and business premises in Bisho and its surrounds and in King William's Town," Matroos said.

Eighteen computers and four laptops were recovered at various houses in Bisho.

"Two businesses - Bisho Supermarket in Bisho, and Compu-Care in King William's Town - were also raided and two stolen computers, one from each business, and their accessories recovered."

Supermarket owner Kadir Kazi was arrested on charges of been in possession of stolen goods.

He appeared in the Zwelitsha magistrates court and was released on bail of R2 000.

Compu-Care owner Douglas Klaas appeared in the King William's Town magistrates court and was granted bail of R1 000. Both cases were postponed for further investigation.

Matroos said the recovered items were allegedly removed from government offices and schools in Bisho.

"We are still investigating who removed them and how," she said.

Two of the recovered computers were identified as having been stolen from Bisho High School last year.

Matroos said four suspects were arrested for receiving stolen goods. They appeared in court on charges of possession of stolen goods.

Two speakers, two television sets, a video camera and a hi-fi set were recovered and 15 housebreaking suspects arrested.

"The excellent work by detectives has to be seen as a breakthrough and should send out a warning to thieves that we are closing in on them," Matroos said