Louis Trichardt police were quick to arrest two alleged housebreakers who apparently decided to return to a vacant house in Krogh Street which was stripped of it aluminium and copper plumbing material.

Local estate agent Mr Willie de Swardt, who sold the house, reported the burglary last Monday after visiting the house. It is believed the culprits broke in the previous day, stripping the aluminium shower, the geyser in the ceiling and even all the taps. Walls were damaged and tiles broken. The estimated value of the damage is about R30 000.

De Swardt said he feared that the culprits might return as some of their equipment and the geyser got left behind. He immediately opened a case at the police station and was told that a fingerprint expert would be available the next day.

The following day, De Swardt was greeted by detective Insp Joseph Rambau and Insp John Chauke, a forensic expert. In the meantime De Swardt’s fears came true, as it was discovered that the culprits had indeed returned, removing the geyser.

Acting on instinct, the two policemen immediately went to a local scrap metal dealership. There, two men were seen stripping the geyser for copper. Upon seeing the police, they tried to run away, but were arrested shortly afterwards.

According to Insp Ndwamato Vele, local police spokesperson, the police will continue investigating the case, as well as look into the scrap metal dealership. Afterwards, De Swardt said he was pleased with the urgent manner in which the police conducted their investigation that led to the quick arrests of two suspects.