BEREA SAPS stepped up efforts to minimise crime in the area with many successes over the past week.
Lucky break after break down
On Tuesday, 4 February, a man was fixing his vehicle on Botanic Gardens Road when he was approached by a man wielding a knife, who threatened his life and demanded his valuables. According to Lieutenant PN Naidoo, the complainant gave the armed man his wallet and the suspect quickly walked away across the freeway, accompanied by another man.
“The complainant saw the police and flagged them down, they stopped and assisted him and the 20-year-old suspect was arrested and detained at SAPS Berea for robbery. The wallet was recovered with contents and R1700 cash,” added Naidoo.
Petrol attendant arrested
A petrol attendant was arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after an incident outside a Florida Road garage on the night of 31 January.
According to Lt Naidoo, the man parked his car at the garage and when he returned he noticed his vehicle had been clamped. “He went to the supervisor to enquire and was informed he had to pay R200. There was an argument and the other attendants arrived and a fight broke out,” he said.
Both the complainant and his brother were assaulted and the brother was stabbed repeatedly, sustaining serious injuries by an employee of the garage. The man opened a case at Berea SAOS and investigations led to the arrest of the 25-year-old suspect who was detained at Berea SAPS.
Lt Naidoo added, “Private companies and the public cannot put up signs to tow or clamp wheels. Only police or law enforcement can be called in to issue a fine or put up a tow away sign, businesses don’t have the authority to do that.”
Owners could be charged for fraud if caught illegally clamping wheels as, according to Naidoo, it is misrepresentation of authority. Car owners can charge these businesses for damage to property.
Quick action by police
Last Tuesday afternoon, Berea police arrested a man for trespassing after he jumped over the wall of a business premises.
According to Lt Naidoo, an employee noticed the man as he jumped over the wall and looked around the premises. “The woman phoned her boss who instructed her to press the panic button, which she did while monitoring the suspect. Within minutes, the police and Blue Security arrived and found the suspect,” said Naidoo
The 23-year-old was arrested. Naidoo said he was pleased as, “the quick action by police prevented another crime.”
Florida Road operation yields results
Berea police received information on Thursday, 6 February about drugs being used in Florida Road. Naidoo said observations were conducted and the three culprits were arrested.
“A 21-year-old man was arrested for possession of cocaine and two 22-year-old suspects, for possession of ecstacy tablets.”
Police catch taxi conductor, driver in assault
Berea police passing a taxi on Centenary Road last Thursday, noticed a problem in the taxi, and pulled the vehicle over.
“Upon inspection, officers arrested the conductor for stabbing a passenger as well as the driver who had attempted to flee the scene. The men (24 and 26) were both charged at SAPS Berea.
Bicycle thief nabbed
Police were patrolling along Gordon Road, Morningside on Sunday afternoon, when they were approached by a man complaining that his bicycle had been stolen. After giving police a description of the bicycle, the suspect was found.
The police later arrested the 20-year-old suspect and recovered the bicycle in Umgeni Road.
Crime awareness
Lieutenant PN Naidoo of Berea police advised people to be aware of scams. “Do not deposit money into anyone’s account without verifying first that the business is legitimate especially when buying vehicles, paying rent for a flat or even purchasing items.”
He warned the community to always be alert. “Watch for suspicious people or vehicles loitering in the area and please report them. Do not leave empty boxes of newly purchased appliances outside your house, rather break them up and put them in a bag,” he said.
