Bloemfontein: A 39-year-old cellphone shop owner is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court next week, facing charges of being in possession of suspected stolen property, as reported by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to South African Government News Agency, police officers responded to a tip-off and visited a block of flats on Alexandra Road in Bloemfontein. Upon arrival, they encountered a 39-year-old foreign national who initially denied them entry to his flat. After persuading the suspect to grant access, officers discovered approximately ten large bags containing various brands of cellphones, tablets, and laptops.
Preliminary investigations revealed a total of 554 cellphone units, with an estimated value of R2.5 million. Police investigations suggest that this consignment of suspected stolen electronics was intended to be transported out of Bloemfontein. The 39-year-old owner of the cellphone shop is scheduled to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
The Parkweg police are urging all victims of robberies who have not yet reported their cases to come forward with proof of ownership to claim their stolen cellphones. The investigation team is currently searching for four additional foreign nationals believed to be connected to the arrested suspect. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.