Police at airport seize stolen laptops
15 Dec 2010
On Friday, 19 November 2010 police, together with customs officials, arrested a man at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on his way to Nigeria and seized 42 laptop computers found in his luggage. This was the second time within six months that the same individual was arrested for trying to smuggle suspected stolen laptop computers out of the country.
In June this year the suspect, Augustine Udo Nwanebu, a 32 year old Nigerian national, was stopped by customs officials at ORTIA whilst on his way to Nigeria. Custom officials found that he had 22 laptop computers, 37 cell phones, 17 digital cameras and two ipods in his luggage. Police arrested him on of being in possession of suspected stolen goods. He appeared in court and the case was provisionally withdrawn to allow police to continue with the investigation.
Then on Friday, 19 November 2010, the same suspect was stopped again by customs and police at ORTIA, again leaving the country on his way to Nigeria and when his bag was searched 42 laptops were found that the police suspect could be stolen. He was arrested again and bail was refused by the Kempton Park Magistrate Court. His next court appearance will be on 3 January 2011.
It has since been established during the investigation that some of the laptops were stolen in house breakings in the Bloemfontein area.
We are making an appeal to people who have had a break-in during which laptops were stolen to come forward and contact the investigating officer directly. At the same time we would also like to remind the community that it is important to make a note of the serial numbers of all your electronic goods in case they get stolen and if possible to mark all your goods.
People can contact the Investigating officer directly who is Captain Lesiba Matsetela on cell number 082 455 5631 or during office hours Monday to Friday on 012 353 6786.
Statement issued by Captain Dennis Adriao, South African Police Service, December 15 2010
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
