Northern Cape – A 31-year-old burglary suspect was arrested after police found him hiding underneath a sofa inside a ransacked house in Loeriesfontein, Northern Cape.
According to a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrest followed a routine patrol by two officers between 10pm and 11pm on Saturday, 2 August.
The officers became suspicious after noticing activity at a house that had previously been reported as unoccupied.
“On the evening of 2 August 2026, between 22:00 and 23:00, two SAPS members were conducting routine patrols when they noticed suspicious activity at a residence that had previously been reported as unoccupied.”
As police approached the property, they heard noises coming from inside. An initial inspection revealed household items scattered outside the home, while all doors and windows remained locked.
Officers also discovered that a roof sheet had been removed, prompting them to call for backup. With the homeowner’s permission, police entered the house through the roof and found the property had been ransacked.
During a search of the premises, officers made an unusual discovery.
“While conducting a thorough search of the premises, officers made an unexpected discovery when they found a 31-year-old male suspect hiding underneath a sofa in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.”
Police said the suspect’s attempt to avoid arrest was unsuccessful.
“Unfortunately for the suspect, the improvised hiding place proved far less effective than anticipated, and he was promptly taken into custody.”
The suspect has been charged with housebreaking and theft and was expected to appear in the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court on 4 August.
The District Commissioner of Namakwa praised the Loeriesfontein police officers for their actions, commending their “vigilance, sound tactical response and swift action” in effecting the arrest.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
