One of the most wanted criminals in Hartbeespoort, linked to almost 20 cases, was caught on Sunday after a three-daylong operation to track him.

However, on Wednesday, the Brits Magistrates’ Court released him on R2 000 bail. Tebogo Frank Maake was arrested in the bushes in Melodie in Hartbeespoort in the early morning hours on Sunday, shortly after a housebreaking in the area.

The police have been looking for the suspect since 2012 and he has been linked to approximately 20 or more cases in the area. “The police received information and after following up on it, the suspect was fi nally found in the bushes with various presumed stolen items in his possession,” said police spokesperson, Maria Nkabinde.

Maake has been a wanted person in connection with more than 10 theft out of vehicle cases, a number of housebreakings, possession of stolen property and his fingerprints have been linked to various cases in Hartbeespoort.

“After his arrest, police recovered a large number of presumed stolen goods such as television sets, jewellery, cellphones, tools, a car battery and mountain bike, amongst other things in his house in Atteridgeville. The suspect is possibly linked to other cases as well.”

The police in Hartbeespoortdam are urging members of the community, who were victims of housebreaking and theft, to come forward in order to identify their possible property. Proof of ownership is required.

Contact Detective Captain Wilson Tshabalala of Hartbeespoortdam Detectives on 082 373 9636 for any enquiries.