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An alleged thief who had been in hiding for several months has been arrested by police in Mpumalanga.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that Innocent John Pretorius (51) was apprehended on the evening of February 12 on theft charges.
Incident Details:
According to Ndubane, the suspect allegedly stole valuable items in July 2024 from a 76-year-old pensioner residing in an old-age home in Belfast. Pretorius had been providing cleaning services at the facility and is suspected of using this opportunity to steal from the elderly.
A case was opened following the theft, but Pretorius disappeared and remained on the run for several months.
Additional Investigations:
Police investigations suggest that Pretorius may be linked to several other similar thefts at old-age homes in Belfast, Middelburg, Howard, and Paulpietersburg. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of his involvement in other crimes not yet reported.
Court Appearance and Detention:
Pretorius appeared before the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on February 14, where his case was postponed to February 24, 2025. He remains in custody.
Police Statement:
Mpumalanga’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest, urging the public to report crimes promptly.
“This arrest should encourage public confidence in the justice system. Reporting crimes ensures that when perpetrators are caught, they can be charged and brought to justice,” Mkhwanazi stated.
