December kicked off on a high note for the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation team as they raided a storage facility filled with stolen goods worth over R50 million.
On 26 November, Organised Crime Investigation received word on a storage facility in Muldersdrift that was used by a syndicate that hijacks cargo trucks and rob warehouses.
Since then, the storage facility was placed under heavy surveillance and a team was put together to raid the storage space. The team was comprised of members from West Rand K9, Counter-Narcotics Intelligence, Intelligence Collection and Domestic Drug Smuggling.
What was found during the raid?
As the Organised Crime Investigation team raided the storage space they found boxes of cigarettes, electric household appliances, clothing brands and various other electronic equipment.
SAPS suggest that these items were all destined to be sold on the black market in Johannesburg.
Stolen items linked to previous cases
The SAPS have managed to positively link some of the stolen goods to the following cases:
- Warehouse robbery in Boksburg in November 2021 – cigarettes worth R36 million
- Warehouse robbery in Parys, Free State in August 2021 – television sets
- Truck Hijacking in September 2021 in Heidelberg – electronic goods and gym equipment
- Warehouse robbery in Alberton in November 2021 – various electronic household goods
Thus far one suspect has been arrested for possession of stolen property and will be appearing in the Krukersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
Provincial Commissioner commends the raid team
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the team responsible for the discovery of the storage facility and subsequent raid.
“This has definitely disrupted the dealings of an organised crime syndicate. We have stamped the authority of the State and squeezed the space for criminals to operate. This is our mission during this Festive Season, to ensure that the space of criminal activity is minimised,” said Lt Gen Mawela.
Media Statement: Gauteng Organised Crime Investigations recovers stolen goods worth over R50 million