A 52-year-old South African National Parks (SANParks) employee appeared in the Masoyi District Court where he was released on R1,000 bail for allegedly breaking in at the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit storeroom in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.

It's alleged that Johannes de Beer stole state-owned crime scene equipment, cleaning materials, and sets of knives on January 23, 2025.

"According to the investigation, the storeroom seems to have been broken into twice, allegedly by the same suspect. Members of the Stock Theft Unit became suspicious when they noticed that something was odd outside the storeroom, and they began to investigate. It was during the course of the investigation that members discovered that the storeroom was indeed burgled and some items were stolen," said police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

After the report of the burglary, police began an investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect on Tuesday. Officers believe that he attempted to conceal the crime by restoring some items to their original places, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

De Beer is facing charges of business burglary. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue.

His matter was postponed to March 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that law enforcement will not tolerate criminal activity.

"We do not want anything that may disturb our operations related to crime-fighting in the park, including poaching. We are glad that an arrest was swiftly made after a break-in in one of our storerooms.

"People should take note that anyone who commits a crime will be arrested, regardless of their status or position. The matter is going to court, and we believe that the law will take its course without fear or favour," said Mkhwanazi.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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