LOUIS TRICHARDT – The present spate of house breaking that is taking place within the municipal area certainly does not warrant applause nor should it be seen as entertainment when perpetrators set out to violate people's privacy. However, America has its fair share of dumb criminals and so too does Louis Trichardt it would seem.

On Tuesday (19th) the house of one of the town's lady State Prosecutors, Mrs Hilke van Rensburg, was burgled by a visitor from Kempton Park. It is apparent that the crime was committed in the early hours of the previous evening. There were indications of forced entry by evidence of a small steel table which was used to gain entry through the glass sliding door. Not only did the burglar leave fingerprints, but also injured himself upon entering the small jagged hole in the glass, leaving traces of blood on the door and curtains.

The burglar then indulged himself in whatever liquor was available, helped himself to some snacks and watched television. It is believed that the burglar consumed close to one and a half bottles of five year old KWV Brandy and some wine, after which he passed out on the couch in the lounge, only metres away from the broken glass door.

When police arrived at the scene, the burglar was nowhere to be seen, but moments later returned to the couch with a pillow and patiently waited and watched as the police officers forced the door open. He was arrested and cuffed without any incident, claiming that he too was robbed of his belongings while he was asleep.

All items found outside the house, including the suspect's belongings, were recovered. It is believed that a second suspect might have been involved.

In the mean time Mrs Van Rensburg and her husband, who are currently on vacation in Cape Town, were notified of the incident.

The would-be burglar, Willem Petrus Fisser (34), appeared in the local magistrate court on Wednesday on a charge of burglary. During his appearance he argued that he was invited into the home by the owner of the house for a glass of liquor. His case was postponed until February 18th. He remains in custody.