Peruvian nationals arrested for theft

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Pretoria - Swift action by police has seen two Peruvian nationals, believed to be part of an international syndicate robbing tourists at malls, ATMs and restaurants during the World Cup.

Eastern Cape police are now on the hunt for the remaining four men they believe are also part of the syndicate.

Police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Sibongile Soci said Carlos Marcial Richmucha was expected to appear in court on Thursday (8 July) after he was linked to a spate of thefts.

A fellow Peruvian national Carmela Isabella Jaime was arrested at the end of June. She remains in custody after appearing in court days after her arrest.

According to police, Jaime, Richmucha and the four others arrived in PE on 16 June and have allegedly been targeting tourists at hotels, shopping centres and ATM machines.

Soci said Jaime and Richmucha have been linked to six cases in Port Elizabeth and one in Sandton.

They allegedly stole money, computer equipment and handbags. The value of the items stolen in PE alone was more than R100 000, she added.

"We are looking for the four remaining members of the syndicate. They have been clearly identified from CCTV footage. We are working closely with police from other provinces in an attempt to find them," Soci said.

It did not appear as if any of the six had bought tickets for any World Cup matches or attended any matches, she added.