A leaked video of two Zimbabwean Nationals found with cache of stolen phones in Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG — Two Zimbabwean nationals were allegedly found in possession of a large number of suspected stolen cellphones and cash at a building in the Johannesburg CBD after people tracking a stolen iPhone traced the device to the property.

The incident reportedly took place at High Rise, a building situated at the intersection of Von Brandis and Rahima Moosa streets in Johannesburg.

According to information provided by people involved in tracking the stolen device, the search began after an iPhone was allegedly stolen during a robbery. The phone was tracked to the building, where the two men were located.

Upon entering the premises, a large number of cellphones were allegedly discovered together with cash. Video footage from the scene shows dozens of mobile phones spread across a surface, with money and other items visible among them.

It is alleged that some of the phones had been taken from victims during armed robberies, including incidents in which people were robbed at gunpoint.

The two men are also alleged to be Zimbabwean nationals who are in South Africa without valid immigration documentation. Their immigration status, however, would need to be formally confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs.

The discovery has raised concerns about cellphone robbery and the possible use of buildings in the Johannesburg CBD to store or trade suspected stolen property.

Police are expected to investigate the ownership of the recovered phones, the circumstances under which they were obtained and whether the suspects can be linked to reported armed robberies.

Victims of cellphone robberies may also be able to assist investigators by providing proof of ownership, cellphone serial numbers and IMEI numbers.

At the time of writing, the allegations against the two men had not yet been tested in court, and they remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.