Security guards arrested following break-in at Russell Road campus
Luyolo Mkentane and Justin McCabe HERALD REPORTERS
THREE Bronyx Security officers have been arrested in connection with a break-in at the Port Elizabeth College.
Police spokesman Inspector Gerald Sass said R10 000 and 36 computers had been stolen from the Russell Road campus in Central, Port Elizabeth, at about 9pm on Monday.
He said 20 cellphones, identity books, a passport, four car radios and clothing had been confiscated from the suspects.
Police spokesman Ronald Koll said 14 of the stolen computers had been recovered at the guards‘ homes.
He said three vehicles carrying 15 men had approached a Bronyx Security officer who was on duty at the time.
“One of his colleagues was with the 15 men and he opened the gate for them on his colleague‘s orders,” Sass said. The guard was handcuffed with his own handcuffs after the men had ransacked the premises.
Koll said certain security guards belonged to a syndicate that was targeting colleges around Port Elizabeth. The guards let the syndicate members into the grounds and buildings, and damaged the gates in an attempt to make it look like it had been forced open. “More than 40 computers were stolen from the same college in a previous case. Some of those computers were also found in the homes of the guards,” Koll said.
Bronyx Security managing director Aidon Lippstreu said he was aware of the allegations against the guards.
Police also found items that were allegedly stolen from other colleges, including more than 20 cellphones.
Lippstreu said he would be “extremely shocked and disappointed” if it turned out that staff from the company had in fact been involved in the incident.
“If it‘s proven that they are involved, appropriate internal disciplinary measures will be taken against them,” he said.
“Should they be charged criminally, we would report this to our governing body, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, and ask that their registration be suspended pending the outcome of the case.”
If found guilty, their registration would be withdrawn, he said.
College vice-principal Dorian Baartzes said: “All I can confirm is that a number of computers were stolen, but the matter is now in the hands of the police.
“We don‘t want to compromise the work of the South African Police Service because they are doing an excellent job in investigating this case,” Baartzes said.
Koll said colleges and universities should be careful when choosing a company to do their security work.
Police expect to make more arrests soon.
The guards who were arrested will appear in court tomorrow.
Anyone with information relating to the case is requested to contact Captain Jackie Grobler at the Humewood Police Station.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment