SOUTH AFRICA COMPUTER THEFT SUSPECTS ARRESTEDStar - Dozens of suspects rounded up for trialDozens of suspects rounded up for trial
November 23, 2004

By Gill Gifford

The Johannesburg Computer Theft Unit, which investigates robberies in which 10 or more computers have been stolen, boasts an impressive success rate.

So far this year it has apprehended 62 suspects and recovered goods worth more than R2-million. This builds on last year's successes, in which the unit made 27 arrests and secured convictions ranging from four to 20 years.

"We seized stolen computers, laptops, hard drives and printers worth almost R7,5-million," said Captain Shaun Robson, who heads the unit.

In 2003 the unit also conducted 12 "disruptive" operations, which included such actions as raids on illegal Internet café businesses.


Its most important cases include:


An armed robber who targeted Rosebank businesses and who received an effective 30 years' jail time;


Three armed robbers who each received a 20-year prison sentence for a theft at the Woodmead Makro in August last year;


Gambler Mahmood Ebrahim Akhalwaya (60), who allegedly stole laptops from foreigners at casinos and will appear in court in January;


Alleged syndicate mastermind Ike Zuma, who will face 45 charges in court in February.