A case was recently opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Stellenbosch after a person believed to be a student at Stellenbosch University allegedly stole from multiple stalls at a local street market. This was according to Leani Breedt, one of the Dorp Street Sunday market organisers.
The Dorp Street Sunday market in Stellenbosch takes place every Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
The case was opened on 4 March, confirmed Captain Natalie Martin, communications officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Stellenbosch.
On 3 March, Raaiq Schroeder, who works at his sister Taahirah’s thrift store Twigs Vintage, witnessed the theft of a bangle while on shift. The alleged perpetrator “acted like a buyer”, said Schroeder.
According to Schroeder, he apprehended the alleged perpetrator at the Dorp Street Sunday Market after he noticed unusual behaviour.
“He only came to the table when a group formed. I saw him through the gaps of people, holding a bangle. He looked around and then put the bangle in his bag and left,” claimed Schroeder.
“Luckily we got a picture of his [SU] student card,” said Breedt.
A person was confronted after allegedly being caught with items from two stalls at the Dorp Street Sunday market. PHOTO: Mia Oliver
Stall operator confronts suspect
“I asked for the bangle […] he opened every zip beside[s] one. So I told him to open the last zip, and there I found the bangle,” claimed Schroeder.
“I’ve seen him for the past three weeks. [He is] always at the [Dorp Street Sunday] market, as well as the Rooiplein market. He’s never bought anything, but is always roaming around – either on his own or with a group of friends,” claimed the stall’s owner Taahirah Schroeder.
According to Taahira Schroeder, the alleged perpetrator initially denied stealing the bangle until it was found on his person.
The person was allegedly also in possession of one of Franselize Brit’s jewellery pieces.
“I received a photo of a ring that [the alleged perpetrator] was holding. It was the same ring I had a photo of while it was still laying on my table,” said Franselize Brits, owner of Franselize Jewelry.
Twigs Vintage is one of the stalls at the Dorp Street Sunday market and is owned by Taahirah Schroeder. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
“I received a photo of a ring that [the alleged perpetrator] was holding. It was the same ring I had a photo of while it was still laying on my table,” said Franselize Brits, owner of Franselize Jewelry.
ADT security services responded quickly to the reported theft. This was in addition to SU Campus Security, and the Stellenbosch SAPS, who arrived to address the alleged perpetrator, said Breedt.
“The first thing I think about is the vendors that put in all the effort to come through [to] the market on a Sunday. [These are] their [businesses], they are entrepreneurs, and their livelihoods are now being targeted,” said Breedt.