'Most wanted' housebreaker bust after crime spree spanning nearly 20 years

He's allegedly been breaking into people's homes for nearly 20 years but a "most wanted" housebreaking suspect's crime spree in KwaZulu-Natal has finally run its course.

The 36-year-old man was arrested at a hideout in KwaMashu, north of Durban.

Police spokesperson Lt-Col Thulani Zwane said the suspect faced at least 15 cases of housebreaking in various courts in the province. 

"A most wanted housebreaking suspect in Durban central has finally been arrested. Police officers from the Durban central field unit acted on intelligence ... and arrested the suspect at a house in KwaMashu where he was hiding out," he said.

"Police officers were in possession of a warrant for his arrest.

"The suspect was wanted for housebreaking cases that were reported from 2002, from Ethekwini up to Mandeni in the north and Scottburgh in the south.

"Utilising available technology, the highly skilled police officers were able to trace and arrest him," Zwane said.

Investigations are continuing to establish if the suspect is linked to other cases in the province.