Guesthouse burglary suspects nabbed

TWO men suspected of a series of burglaries at guesthouses in the Addo area are expected to appear in the Addo Magistrate's Court today following their arrest at the weekend.

Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Gerda Swart said the men – both aged 28 and originally from Zimbabwe – were arrested at a hideout in Nomathamsanqa township on Saturday, after allegedly having been on the run from police for a month. "Over recent months, there has been an increase in tourist accommodation burglaries, prompting the detectives to launch a team to track down and arrest the culprits. In almost all cases, the suspects gained entry by climbing through open windows," Swart said.

"At the weekend, police raided a few addresses and found several of the stolen items inside the house the suspect were hiding at. We have linked them to a handful of burglaries but suspect they could be linked to more."

Swart said stolen items included laptops, cellphones and luggage bags full of clothes – all reported stolen from tourist accommodation.

"Detectives also found a firearm hidden inside their hideout."

The two are expected to appear in court today on charges of burglary, theft and illegal possession of firearms. Swart said more charges could be added as the investigation continued.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Warrant Officer Gert Loyd on 074-504-6832. - Gareth Wilson