An investigation is underway following a viral video showing an alleged shoplifting syndicate reportedly stealing designer items worth more than R10 000 in one incident.
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The 30-second video shared on TikTok had social media users flurrying with comments, identifying the main suspect of the alleged syndicate as a well-known man from Hanover Park, reported the Cape Argus.
The video shows two alleged thieves removing a designer bag from a shop in Canal Walk while two other suspects are seen shopping for jackets, apparently to conceal the activities of the two with the bag from the shop assistant.
A source told the Daily Voice that the person seen grabbing the bag is known for stealing from high-end stores.
‘He is a flamboyant from Hanover Park,’ said the source. ‘He is [gay but] not a drag queen and usually uses aunties to help him steal. When we saw the video, we knew it was him but this is the first time we see him using a drag queen.
‘About two years ago, I went out with him and only when I arrived did I see we were there to steal for him. He loves stealing from Woolies. If you go to his house on Eid, you will just eat Woolworths food,’ added the source
‘This is his career and he has been doing it for years, this is just the first time he was caught on camera.’
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Subsequently, it is understood that more than R10 000 worth of goods was stolen and allegations have arisen that the group was working with security guards, according to Independent Media.
In a statement received by the Cape Argus, Canal Walk said: ‘Our operations manager did receive the information. This will be investigated with our security company and we will assist the retailer and the SAPS with any information needed.’
It was not clear yesterday whether the incident had been reported to the police.
The publication said it reached out to the alleged mastermind, but his phone was switched off.
Clive Hendricks, the lawyer of the drag queen allegedly identified in the video, said his client had been falsely accused on social media.
‘My client was in the leather store at the time and was not part of this whole thing. He put on a jacket and fitted it on and put it back,’ the publication quoted Hendricks as saying.
‘My client does not know the main suspect and when they investigate they will see my client did not walk into the shopping centre with the person they claim is behind this. My client does not know him.’
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Picture: Canal Walk / Facebook