POLOKWANE – A man that gained access at the Polokwane Community Service Center (CSC) on need to use its bathrooms did the unthinkable by showing that one good turn does not deserve another on being caught before exit with a bag full of stolen goods and having allegedly left some of the SAPS offices on fire on Tuesday, 26th August 2025.
The 31 year old suspect, Thabang Shiang, briefly appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Spokesperson for the Limpopo SAPS Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said a man arrived at the Polokwane CSC on Tuesday, 26th of August 2025, at around 02:30. He asked permission from the on duty officers to use the rest rooms.
The police became suspicious when Shiang took longer than was possibly normal to emerge from the bathrooms and when to establish the cause for the delay.
The officers intercepted him at the stairs holding a huge bag. On being searched, found in his possession included a SAPS laptop, charging cables, police reflector, ink pad, speakers and extension cord in his possession.
The police proceeded to the offices and were shocked to find them on fire.
Files were damaged and the suspect was immediately placed under arrest. The value of the damage to office properties is still to be determined,” said Brig Mashaba.
He was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to September 03, 2025 for a formal bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned Shiang’s pretence to gain access to CSC facilities and theft and warned the suspects that the police will not hesitate to act within the ambit of the law to protect themselves and state property.
