Kowie Ditch arrest
Two teenagers carrying bags contained clothes, household items, digital and computer equipment were arrested during a police patrol in African Street on New Year's Day. The police officer spotted the boys, aged 13 and 15, moving towards Carlisle Street in the direction of the drain tunnels, said Grahamstown SAPS spokesperson Captain Mali Govender. "As he came to a halt at Carlisle Street, both dropped the bags and jumped down the drain tunnels," she said. The police officer called for back-up and he pair were arrested.

Caught in a cupboard
Security officers responding to an alarm in Hill 60 on New Year's Day, finding a burglar guard missing from a window and a pair of shoes outside, searched the house and found a man in a cupboard. The police were called and a 33-year-old man was arrested. He appeared in court briefly on a charge of burglary.

Debt collector mugged
Five juveniles were arrested after allegedly mugging an Ethiopian national collecting money from debtors in Extension 9. The man said the children, who were released into the custody of their parents, took money and his cellphone. He had chased and caught them before handing them over to the police.

Boiling water death
An argument between neighbours in Zolani location between Christmas and New Year ended in tragedy after one of the men, allegedly attacked with boiling water, succumbed to his injuries on New Year's Eve and died. Police are now investigating a case of murder.

Bag arrest
A city security guard stopped a man leaving a lodge with a large bag containing clothing. Police arrested him and charged him with possession of suspected stolen property.

No holiday for cops
Around 17 people were arrested in Grahamstown during the festive season for various crimes ranging from burglary, possession of suspected stolen property, robbery and house breaking, according to Grahamstown SAPS spokesperson Captain Mali Govender.

* Crime briefs compiled for Grocott's Mail by Mali Govender, SAPS Grahamstown spokesperson.