Burglar drops stash fleeing VIP guards
Cottage at minister’s home burgled
Valuables worth R20 000 were stolen and recovered after an unknown intruder gained entrance into Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s Johannesburg home yesterday morning.
The suspect, who gained entrance into the cottage at the minister’s Norwood home, dropped the valuables while trying to get away from the VIP protection officers who had spotted him as he was about to escape.
Norwood police said the minister was in the main house when the incident took place at about 6am.
Norwood police captain Elliot Tshivhase said the intruder jumped the high wall behind the minister’s house, and gained entry into an unlocked cottage, used by the minister’s daughter, identified as Linda Beneske, 28.
“The suspect jumped the wall at the back of the house but did not go into the minister’s main house, but got into the cottage,” Tshivhase explained.
He said the intruder helped himself to an iPad and jewellery, including rings and watches, all worth R20 000.
Tshivhase said Beneske had left the cottage without locking the door at about 6am and went to the gym.
“The suspect was spotted by an officer in the guardhouse who alerted another officer. The suspect then jumped the same wall to run away and dropped all the jewellery on the ground behind the wall,” Tshivhase said.
Dlodlo’s spokeswoman, Pheliswa Sebati, said the minister was awaiting a police report on the matter.
“The ministry would like to assure the nation that Minister Dlodlo and her family are safe and unharmed,” Sebati said.
Police are investigating a case of house breaking.
“However, all stolen items were recovered,” Tshivhase said.