Police in Maun have arrested two men in connection with a spate of burglaries and house break-ins that have rocked the village since early August. The arrests led to the recovery of stolen property valued at approximately P200 000, though investigations suggest the scale of the crimes may be much larger.
The suspects, a 27-year-old man from Mmanaka village and a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national, were taken into custody on Monday following weeks of investigations. Police believe the two men are linked to several cases of burglary and break-ins reported across Maun.
According to Maun Station Commander, Superintendent Joseph Lepodise, the recovered goods came from different households in the village, ranging from household furniture to electrical appliances, clothes and shoes. He urged victims to come forward and assist in identifying their belongings.
“So far, we have recorded four cases of burglary and house break-ins, but we believe more cases have not yet been reported,” he said. “Now that some stolen goods have been recovered, we expect more victims to come forward.”
Superintendent Lepodise explained that the thieves mainly targeted big household items, often hiring vehicles to move the stolen property. “This is not petty crime,” he stressed. “These suspects take fridges, beds, televisions, and other large items, which means they plan their operations carefully.” He added that investigations are still ongoing and police expect to recover more goods and possibly arrest additional suspects.
One victim, who asked not to be named, recounted how she was alerted by her neighbour about a suspected break-in at her home. “When I arrived, I found so many of my belongings gone,” she said. “They took beds, fridges, a smart TV, clothes, and shoes. Some items have been recovered, but I am still missing my television and several pairs of shoes.”
Statistics show that burglary and house break-ins remain a persistent problem in Maun. In 2024, police recorded 87 burglary cases and 147 house break-ins. So far this year, 58 burglaries and 93 house break-ins have already been reported, reflecting that the crimes remain prevalent despite ongoing policing efforts.
Superintendent Lepodise said the suspects will appear before the magistrate court in the coming days to face charges of burglary and house break-ins. He further called on residents to work closely with the police and to promptly report suspicious activity.
“The fight against crime is a shared responsibility,” he said. “The community must remain alert and cooperative if we are to reduce these incidents and return stolen property to its rightful owners.”
