Thug bust at Chiefs match

A man wanted in connection with breaking into cash vaults was arrested at a soccer match in Rustenburg, the Hawks said

Spokesperson McIntosh Polela said Samson Malapane was arrested while watching the Kaizer Chiefs match against Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng outside Rustenburg on Sunday.

"One of our members was sitting next to him. He recognised him and informed us," he said.

Malapane appeared in the Grasfontein magistrate's court yesterday, and was taken to Polokwane to face a charge of armed robbery.

"He had been on the run since his co-accused were arrested early this month."

Malapane is believed to be a member of a syndicate that specialises in breaking into cash vaults.

An army corporal was arrested in Kempton Park on February 5, after equipment used to break into cash vaults at chain stores, banks, petrol stations and cash depots were allegedly found in his possession.

Polela said a grinding machine, a crowbar, balaclavas and hand gloves were found in the corporal's car at his home. After his arrest, the Hawks went to a house in Moreleta, Pretoria, and found searchlights, more balaclavas and gloves, as well as reflective jackets used when robbers posed as security guards.

The syndicate operated in the Free State, Limpopo and Gauteng.