Staff Reporter
Four suspects from Gauteng were arrested on Thursday by Excelsior police at a roadblock on the R703 highway after they failed to explain the source of their goods and the intended destination.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Thandi Mbambo said a vehicle with a Gauteng registration was stopped and searched during an operation to enforce road traffic compliance over the Easter holidays.
“The police discovered a pile of groceries including a variety of baby foods and assorted soaps that were packed inside the boot and at the back seat of the vehicle,” said Mbambo.
“Two males and two female occupants aged between 24 and 42 years were arrested after they failed to provide proof of purchase and could not give a satisfactory explanation about where the goods were found. The goods valued at about R9 000 were seized,” she added.
According to Mbambo, a Ladybrand supermarket manager confirmed that there was a shoplifting incident at his store where similar items were stolen.
A preliminary investigation also revealed that the suspects are wanted for shoplifting cases committed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The suspects will appear before the Excelsior Magistrates Court on Tuesday for possession of suspected stolen items.