Bellville – In an audacious act that has left many scratching their heads, a man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the Bellville-South Police Station and stealing a laptop. The suspect, who remains in custody, is said to have used a spade to force open a window in order to gain entry to the premises.
The arrest, confirmed by police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, occurred earlier this week following a swift investigation by local officers. It appears the suspect's undoing was his attempt to sell the stolen computer, which quickly drew the attention of law enforcement.
"Bellville-South Police arrested an adult male yesterday, Wednesday, 12 March 2025 in connection with the theft of a laptop and other items which were recovered," said Captain van Wyk. "Members followed up on information about the suspect who attempted to sell the laptop."
Details emerging from the preliminary investigation paint a picture of a brazen, if somewhat clumsy, operation. According to police reports, the suspect managed to gain "an unnoticed entrance to the station premises" in the early hours of Friday, 7 March 2025, at approximately 12.45am. It was then that he allegedly made off with the laptop and other personal items.
A video circulating online purportedly shows the moment of the suspect's arrest. In the footage, a police officer can be heard questioning the man about the whereabouts of the laptop. The suspect, however, denies any knowledge of the theft, even resorting to tears in an attempt to feign innocence.
Adding a touch of the absurd to the situation, the spade allegedly used in the break-in was also recovered and can be seen in the video lying on a bench. The officer then asks him: "Should I fetch the spade?" and the guy says, "No, sir," and wails even louder."
The suspect appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court yesterday and remains incarcerated, facing charges related to the theft.
This incident raises serious questions about security at police stations across the province. It's particularly concerning given a 2023 report by Police and Oversight, which revealed that since 2018, a staggering 81 police stations in the Western Cape have been burgled or broken into.
