EASTERN CAPE - POLICE SOLVE MYSTERY OF DISAPPEARING TOMBSTONES & GRAVE VIOLATION WITH ARREST OF UNCLE AND NEPHEW

A successful multi-disciplinary operation was held with members of Crime Intelligence Unit, K9 Unit, POP Unit, COCC and the Vispol and Detectives of Sterkspruit.

The joint intelligence driven operation was conducted at Macacuma locality after a number of tombstones theft incidents took place, most prevalent in Sterkspruit and Palmietfontein areas.

The team proceeded to the identified house and upon further investigation, members managed to arrest two suspects age 47 and 31. The suspects are related to each other as uncle and nephew. They engaged in the business of theft of tombstones theft and violation of graves.

They were reconstructing and reselling the tombstones to unsuspecting buyers at low rates.

Parts of the used tombstone slabs were recovered by the SAPS at their homestead and were subsequently confiscated.

A recent transaction was also confirmed with a new buyer who has purchased two tombstones and had them installed at an old grave and a new grave to which the burial would take place today, 8 June 2019.

Both the stones with installation costs were worth R8000.

Cash to the value of R7600.00 was also recovered.

A cellphone of the main culprit was also confiscated for the download of conversations about sales of tombstones and pictures of tombstones installed.

This arrest is viewed as a breakthrough and can be linked to many pending dockets of this nature.

The arrested suspects will appear before court at Sterkspruit on Monday 10 June 2019 for possession of suspected stolen property. The total value of the recovered items was R 14 600-00.

The Deputy Cluster Commander, Colonel Mpho Rabela commended the members for their joint efforts that have secured this breakthrough.

via - SAPS