A suspect who stole a wallet from an unlocked bakkie on Ireland Street in the Verulam CBD was arrested this afternoon (Monday) by Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).
The suspect was unaware that he was being observed by a bystander when he opened the door of a Nissan bakkie and stole a wallet belonging to a Bloemfontein resident who was working on internet cables in the area. The bystander contacted RUSA and reported the incident. He informed the controller on duty that he followed the suspect towards the Verulam bus rank but lost sight of him in the crowd.
Reaction Officers were dispatched to his location and spotted the suspect walking on Todd Street. Officers approached him from opposite directions and apprehended him. The suspect is a known heroin addict.
He was not found in possession of the wallet and it is believed that he discarded it after he found that it contained only bank cards. The witness positively identified him at the scene. The Waterloo resident was also found in possession of a large pair of scissors.
He was placed under arrest and is currently detained at the Verulam SAPS.