A 34-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday in Waterloo, KwaZulu-Natal after allegedly selling two weaves belonging to his mother, valued at R6,000, for just R700.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the man’s 58-year-old mother contacted the organisation after confirming that her son was sleeping underneath an Isuzu bakkie at a nearby property.
The arrest followed several unsuccessful attempts to apprehend the suspect.
RUSA said its officers responded to the scene and parked their vehicles before approaching the property on foot. They surrounded the premises and found the suspect sleeping beneath the bakkie, where he was apprehended and restrained.
"His 58-year-old mother expressed frustration over repeated thefts since July 2026. She alleged that her son is addicted to heroin and broke burglar guards to gain entry into her home. He stole weaves, laptops, takkies, watches and groceries," RUSA said.
During an interview, the suspect reportedly confirmed that the two weaves had been sold for R350 each to a vendor in the Verulam central business district (CBD).
A case was registered with police in August 2026, and witnesses reportedly identified the man as having committed the thefts. He is also allegedly implicated in a separate theft of a motor vehicle case.
Despite previous attempts by law enforcement officers to apprehend him, the suspect reportedly managed to flee on several occasions. He would allegedly return to his mother’s property to sleep outdoors.
IOL News