Friday, 30 January, 2009

Crime Line announces Star of the Stars

An anonymous tip-off to Primedia’s Crime Line has led to the arrest of two suspected house robbers and the recovery of a stolen car, illegal firearm and housebreaking equipment. The men’s alleged involvement in a series of house robberies is now being investigated.

At the same time, the breakthrough has led to the SAPS members who made the arrests being named the month’s “Star of the Stars”, a recognition sponsored by Crime Line and Pick n Pay for officers who do outstanding work.

Director Sally de Beer of the Office of the National Police Commissioner, said: “I am proud to announce the duly nominated ‘Star of the Star’ for April is Inspector Johan Loock, of Gauteng's Rapid Response team, and his team of three others comprising Inspector Francois Erasmus, Constable Gawie Smit and Constable Quinton Kruger.

“A Crime Line tip-off regarding suspicious luxury vehicles led Inspector Loock to a house in Faerie Glen, Pretoria. After further follow-up investigations, Inspector Loock and his team raided premises in Pretoria and they recovered an Audi which had been stolen during a house robbery in Erasmia, Pretoria in March 2009.

“In the vehicle they found a cellular phone that had been stolen during a house robbery in Honeydew, Gauteng during April 2009, a firearm with the serial number filed off, gloves and housebreaking implements,” said de Beer.

Two suspects were arrested - Lucky Mgidi (known as Zorro), 32 years and his accomplice Solly Nkosi. Mgidi was pointed out by the victim in the Honeydew house robbery.

The suspects are still in custody and will appear in court again on Thursday 14 May 2009.

“This success fits all criteria to receive the Star of the Stars Award - there was a quick response to initial tip-off and extensive follow-up investigation. These suspects are linked to priority violent crimes and are still in custody,” de Beer added.

Inspectors Loock and Erasmus did most of the work but were ably assisted by Constables Smit and Kruger and therefore generously decided to share the Pick n Pay R5000 voucher.

The latest breakthrough brings the total number of arrests to 749 since the launch of Crime Line in June 2007. The value of stolen goods, drugs and counterfeit property seized now stands at R28,1 million.

Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, said: “We are finding that the quality of information from the public is starting to improve and this is heartening. We wish to again appeal to the community to provide detailed information when making a tip-off to 32211 (sms) or via www.crimeline.co.za.”

“The latest breakthrough by the SAPS is yet another indication that the authorities are acting on the information. We wish to thank the public for passing on information and let’s continue doing so in increasing numbers.”

Abramjee said Crime Line was getting “more and more dangerous criminals arrested by the day and we must continue putting more of these thugs behind bars”.

Crime Line has the support of several companies, NGO’s and media organisations including the SABC, Jacaranda FM, Algoa FM, DSTV and community radio. The Caxton group of newspapers and publications such as the Citizen as well as the Independent Group of Newspapers has been very supportive. Several community radio stations and local newspapers are also behind the initiative.

The various Primedia companies including Talk Radio 702, 94,7 Highveld Stereo, Kfm and 567 Cape Talk as well as Ster Kinekor, Primedia Outdoor, Primall and CommutaNet are constantly punting Crime Line.

Other supporters include Pick n Pay, Mimmos, Spar, Ad Reach, the South African Federation Against Copyright Theft – SAFACT, Tracker, Netstar and e-block Watch.

Crime Line will be celebrating its second anniversary in June.

Yusuf Abramjee, head of Crime Line, Inspector Johan Loock, Jeremy Mansfield and Director Sally de Beer.

Back to Press Centre