GEORGE NEWS - Crime snippets from George.
Break-in at bookshop
One of George's most favourite bookshops, Blue Forest Bookshop, was broken into on Sunday night, 18 January. Access was allegedly gained by forcing open a window and bending the burglar bars.
Although not much was taken from the store, apart from some change and the Yoco Go card machine, two owls, as well as other ornaments, were also stolen. The Nieu-Bethesda owls have much sentimental value for the owners and have been part of the Blue Forest family for many years.
"We've received information from two different witnesses about the couple who allegedly carried out the break-in," said the shop's Camille Haupt.
"A case has been opened and the police have been informed of all the latest developments. But we request that the citizens of George please help us by being on the lookout for these stolen owls." If anyone has information about the owls, please phone 074 465 5050.
Armed robbery at night club
George police are still on a manhunt for four suspects after an armed robbery at a night club in Market Street in the CBD at about 12:00 on Tuesday afternoon, 13 December.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, two suspects were already inside the club playing pool when the two other suspects, carrying firearms, joined them.
They then threatened and forced the employees of the club to open the safe and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation officer, WO Francois Klein, on 044 803 4715 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Traffic officer arrested for pointing a gun
An off-duty provincial traffic officer (26) was arrested on a charge of pointing a firearm after an incident in Chopin Street, Pacaltsdorp on Sunday 18 December.
The driver of a minibus taxi that was allegedly transporting staff, apparently turned around the vehicle in front of the officer's house on the pavement.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, it is alleged that the officer approached the vehicle and pointed his firearm at the driver. The driver immediately reported the alleged incident to the police.
The officer was subsequently arrested.
The suspect made his first court appearance on Monday 19 December where he was released on bail of R1 500. He faces charges of pointing of firearm as well as contraventions of the Firearms Controls Act. The case was postponed for further investigation until 30 January 2023.
The case served in front of Magistrate Wikus Bishoff.
Ashtrid Michaels represented the state, while Clayton Samson of Jansen and Samson Attorneys represented the suspect.
The George Community Police Forum (CPF) recently launched a WhatsApp group for safety and crime-related issues and information over the festive season. To join the group, please scan this QR code with your cellphone's QR code scanner. QR code scanners can be downloaded from Google Play Store.
Tiener vas vir moord
'n Jongman van Pacaltsdorp (17) is in hegtenis geneem in verband met die moord van die 19-jarige Reevan Willemse op Vrydag 16 Desember omstreeks 21:00.
Die voorval het in Voëlnesvaringstraat in New Dawnpark plaasgevind.
Daar word beweer dat die slagoffer en die verdagte in 'n argument betrokke geraak het toe die voorval plaasgevind het. Albei het steekwonde opgedoen en die 17-jarige is gehospitaliseer.
Hy is later in hegtenis geneem ná hy mediese sorg ontvang het. Die slagoffer is dood verklaar na polisie sy liggaam, met 'n steekwond onder sy arm, op die toneel gevind het. Die ondersoek duur voort.
Hy was geskeduleer om Maandag op aanklag van moord in die George-landdroshof te verskyn.
'Ons bring jou die nuutste George, Tuinroete nuus'
