The 38-year-old suspect, who was apprehended within the City of Johannesburg Metro Centre on Monday morning, 7 February, is thought to be the director of five city-related businesses.
The city believes the same guy is responsible for recent office break-ins after he was discovered in possession of hard drives.
The suspect was caught red-handed in the Metro Centre on Monday. She was found hiding in the building in possession of several hard drives.
“The woman who was seen breaking into the Metro Centre on CCTV a few days ago has just been arrested, caught red-handed inside the Metro Centre. This female suspect has already stolen hard drives consisting of valuable information and it was information and equipment linked to the office of the mayor,” said JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson Lucky Sindane said the woman was spotted by security guards while she was trying to break in via an emergency exit door.
The guard alerted the JMPD and when they arrived the building was thoroughly searched and the woman was found.
“She could not explain what she was doing in the building after the officers questioned her. She was found in possession of computer hard drives, other computer tools and tools that she used to break in,” said Sindane.
The City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services said it is not the first time the suspect has broken into the Metro building.
A fortnight ago the alleged hard drive thief was seen – on CCTV – carrying two bags full of storage devices stolen from the Development Planning offices and the Group Legal and Contract Services offices, which is also in the building.
Back in October 2020, the woman was arrested for a similar crime but the matter was struck from the roll due to insufficient evidence.
“It is alleged that the suspect is a service provider for the City of Johannesburg where she is registered as the Director of five companies,” said Sindane.
The motive for the hard drive theft is under investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court imminently on charges of possession of stolen goods, trespassing and break-in.
World News
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!