Police have nabbed a suspect linked to the theft of cellphones belonging to patrons at Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle, a venue co-owned by one of the wives of businessman Musa Mseleku south of Durban.
The suspect is among the criminals who are accused of pick-pocketing and robbing patrons who attended a jazz event at the posh club on December 30.
According to provincial police spokesperson Capt Nqobile Gwala, the 27-year-old man was arrested on Monday after one of the patrons who attended the event opened a case of theft at KwaMakhutha police station on January 8.
Gwala said: “The suspect was arrested in connection with cellphone theft at Maqaqa Lifestyle. He is expected to appear at Mbumbulu magistrate's court tomorrow (today) for his first appearance.”
The CEO of Maqaqa Lifestyle, Hlengiwe Sibisi-Ngwabe, told Sowetan that more than 10 people reported to have lost their gadgets during the jazz show. Sibisi-Ngwabe said she was relieved that police have managed to arrest a suspect regarding the crime.
“The arrested suspect was identified through our CCTV camera and he was arrested. One of our patrons whose phone was stolen managed to open a case.
"We understand that the culprit is part of a syndicate terrorising patrons in most of eThekwini lifestyle venues and he is also a bouncer. Their modus operandi involves hugging you while stealing your phone. Sometimes they take your phone from the table without you noticing,” she said,
The venue is co-owned by Mbali Mangwabe Mseleku and her brother. She features in a reality TV show Uthando nesthembu.
“As Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle, we are happy that police arrested someone because such incidents can harm our brand.
"We always make sure our patrons are safe. We call upon all other victims who fell prey to these thugs to come forward so that more cases could be opened,” Sibisi-Ngwabe added.
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