KNYSNA NEWS – Nearly 10 years after a collection of Krugerrands worth millions was reported missing, a man has been brought to book for the theft of the coins.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie, Knysna detectives were assisted by the Tsitsikamma K-9 (Knysna dog unit) when they pounced on a residence in Wilderness last week Thursday, 20 January. 

"At about 10:00 they arrested a 54-year-old wanted man who had been on the run since 2012 in connection with the theft of Krugerrands to the estimated value of R7,8-million," Pojie said.

Police officers followed up on information after the Knysna Magistrate's Court issued a warrant for the suspect's arrest in connection with the theft, which was allegedly perpetrated between May 2011 and 9 March 2012. 

"It is when the complainant (owner of the Krugerrands) presented the commodity to the suspect for safekeeping. At the time the suspect was working at a bank in Knysna and offered to safeguard the Krugerrands," Pojie explained.

"When she asked for the return of the commodity, he refused to give it back. Subsequent to his refusal and the disappearance of the Krugerrands, the complainant laid a criminal complaint of theft against him."

The accused, 54-year-old Kenneth Gainsford, made his first court appearance on a charge of theft on Friday 21 January.

"He was remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 27 January for possible bail application."

Acting Eden Cluster Commander, Brig Phumzile Cetyana, has commended the investigating team and the K-9s for their persistence to bring this suspect to book.

"This shows our commitment and demonstrates the lengthy arm of the law that will stop at nothing to bring culprits as such to account for their deeds," he said.

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