A criminal case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Stellenbosch following a recent break-in at a private business in the Stellenbosch University (SU) Neelsie Student Centre.
This was according to Rene Matthee, lieutenant colonel at SAPS Stellenbosch.
A case of housebreaking and theft, and malicious damage to property has been opened, stated Matthee.
The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning on 27 September, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU, via email correspondence with SMF News.
The person believed to be involved in the incident was a student, confirmed Viljoen.
The suspect ran through and broke the door of the Stelkor Campus Pharmacy at approximately 4:20, said Heinrike le Roux, co-owner of the pharmacy.
The total cost of the damage caused by a recent break-in at Stelkor Campus Pharmacy located in the Stellenbosch University Neelsie Student Centre is estimated to be R180 000, said Heinrike le Roux, co-owner of the pharmacy. PHOTO: Hannah Theron
Apprehension of the suspect
It is believed that, after entering, the person ran to the back of the store and consumed some of the medication kept behind the counter, said Le Roux. The person then proceeded to throw shampoo bottles out of the pharmacy, she said.
A security guard from the Neelsie was “slightly injured” when attempting to take the suspect into custody, said Viljoen.
The suspect allegedly stabbed the security guard, said Le Roux.
Disclaimer: the next visual contains blood
Stelkor Campus Pharmacy located in the Stellenbosch University Neelsie Student Centre was broken into in the early hours of the morning on 27 September, said Heinrike le Roux, co-owner of the pharmacy. PHOTO: Hannah Theron
The Neelsie security phoned SAPS Stellenbosch, who assisted with the apprehension of the suspect, said Le Roux.
Both the suspect and the security guard were taken to the hospital, stated Viljoen.
“The matter has been handed over to the SAPS, who are now investigating it as a criminal matter,” said Viljoen.
The damages
“[The suspect] did a lot of damage inside the shop,” said Le Roux.
The total cost of the damages is estimated to be no less than R180 000, claimed Le Roux.
Neelsie Student Centre management was contacted, but were unable to provide SMF News with a statement before publishing.
A security guard from the Neelsie Student Centre was “slightly injured” while taking a student involved in a robbery at the Stelkor Campus Pharmacy into custody, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University. Both the security guard and the suspect were admitted to the hospital, according to Viljoen. PHOTO: Hannah Theron