JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SAPS AND CRIME LINE: THURSDAY 8 JULY 2009

The South African Police Service is pleased to announce that the Crime Line “Star of the Star” award for June 2009 goes to Captain Harrison Phiri of the Commercial Crimes Unit in Johannesburg and his team of Captain Vivian Makhanya and Inspector Madala Ramadi. At the same time, “The Hawks” are ready to follow-up on Crime Line tip-offs relating to organised crime syndicates.

On 22 June 2009 Captain Phiri and his colleagues, supported by personnel from the South African Federation of Copyright Theft (SAFACT), followed up on a Crime Line sms to 32211 which stated that pirated DVD's were being sold from certain premises in Springs.

On entering the premises, a so-called "Burner Lab" was discovered and five (5) computers, 14 DVD writers and 12 printers as well as approximately 3 000 discs containing unauthorised copies of films - including Mr Bones 2, X-Men Wolverine and Night at the Museum 2 - were seized. The value of the items seized was approximately R380 000.

Linda Sandra Prinsloo, 42 years, was arrested, appeared in court on 24 June 2009 and was granted R3 000 bail. The case has been remanded to 26 August 2009.

Spokesperson for the National Police Commissioner, Director Sally de Beer, said: “We are finding that the quality of tip-offs is starting to improve and members of the community are now giving detailed information. We encourage them to continue doing so.”

There were 15 arrests during June: 11 in Gauteng and 4 in the Western Cape. In the North West Province stolen goods and drugs were seized from premises in Brits to the value of R250 000, the investigation is continuing and could result in arrests. The total value of goods seized during June was R961 692.

Springs Cas 683/06/2009

Suspect – Linda Prinsloo (42) , out on R3000 bail.

She is to reappear in the Jhb Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 26/08/2009

Members involved in investigation

Capt Harrison Phiri (079 886 7090)

Capt (f) Vivian Makhanya

Insp. Madala Ramadi

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