/ 31 August 2005

Thieves steal deputy president’s laptop, cellphone

Police on Wednesday confirmed reports of a housebreaking at Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka’s home in Morningside, Johannesburg, earlier in August.

Director Sally De Beer said that the head of the VIP protection unit, Commissioner Fundile Tokwe, confirmed a case of housebreaking and theft on August 13.

Three people were arrested and two have appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s court and were not granted bail.

The Star newspaper reported that her handbag, cellphone and laptop computer were stolen.

It named the arrested men as Francisco Matsimbe, William Lehase and Simphiwe Shabangu, but said that charges had been dropped against Shabangu.

De Beer said investigations were continuing.

Ward councillor for the area Gilda Hurwitz said that Morningside fell into the affluent Sandton area where people were willing to spend money on security.

The area had several road closures, boom gates and security patrols that are monitored by road closure committees. – Sapa