Police at Makuya in the Mutale area believe they have destroyed a notorious solar panel theft syndicate that has been operating in the area. This was after three members of the syndicate were arrested during the weekend at Fandani village.

According to the spokesperson of the Makuya police, Insp Mashudu Madida, the police received a tip-off from members of the public that suspects were hiding in the bushes with a load of solar panels. "Our members rushed to the scene and found the three with stolen solar panels," he said. Three suspects, aged 20, 22 and 25, were arrested at the scene.

"We suspect that the panels, all worth more than R18 000, were stolen from the surrounding villages, as we have many cases of theft involving these panels," he said. According to him, they believe that the syndicate was part of a big organization that deals in stolen solar panels.

"We will not tolerate the vandalism at people’s properties and will do all in our power to put a stop on the perpetrators," he said. He gave a stern warning to thieves and would-be thieves that the full might of the law will soon fall on them.

"We want to warn all criminals that their days are numbered. We will not just fold our arms and be spectators while these thugs wreak havoc in our communities. We are ready to put them behind bars," he said.

Madida commended members of the community who made it possible for them to arrest the suspects. "We encourage members of the public to expose all who are engaged in illicit activities," he said. "All stakeholders should unite in the fight against crime and help the police put the perpetrators where they belong."

The three suspects, Jeffrey Hlungwani (20), Elias Sithole (22) and Wilson Muyambo (25), briefly appeared at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Their case was postponed to the 14 May for further investigations .The suspects remain in custody.