Chartwell mother lives in fear as suspects in string of break-ins released on bail

Riana Roux, a single mother of three, has fallen victim to a string of brazen break-ins at her two adjacent properties in Chartwell.

The incidents, which have been ongoing for approximately five weeks, have left the family shaken and seeking justice.

Frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, and fearing for her children’s safety, Roux has reached a breaking point, confessing that she was contemplating taking the law into her own hands.

Also read: Douglasdale home attempted robbery leaves family traumatized

“I’m a single mother, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my children. But I know that’s not the right thing to do, and that’s why I’m crying out for help. These people must be arrested, and stay in jail.”

Roux reported that thieves had stolen various items, including an inverter, battery, solar system, and cleaned out her entire workshop. The had also stolen her children’s electric scooters, as well as various other items. Despite multiple reports to the police, the perpetrators continued to target her properties.

On March 17, Roux said she witnessed the thieves pilfering stolen goods over the three-metre walls of her property, which are equipped with electric fencing and CCTV cameras.

Also read: Over 503 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela in Joburg district

Frustrated and fearful for her family’s safety, Roux contacted Savika Security, before getting into her car to chase the suspects. “We lost sight of them, but recovered some items they took, as they were on the property the previous night too. I sent a voice message, around 02:00, to the detectives working on two of my six cases, which are now combined at Douglasdale Police Station. They eventually arrested two suspects that very same day.”

The suspects have been linked to multiple cases of theft in the area. However, they were released on R500 bail, just two days after being arrested, a decision that has left Roux feeling vulnerable and betrayed.

“Our justice system is really failing us,” she said “I don’t understand how they can just let them out on bail, with no verification of their documents or possible links to other crimes committed. I can’t expose them because of the POPI Act, but what rights do I have? What about my safety? What about my children’s safety? It feels like no one cares.”

Read more: Crime fighter launches non-profit security company for a safer Diepsloot

Roux has since obtained a protection order against one of the suspects, who she had previously employed and was living on her property. “I thought I was helping someone in need,” she said. She said the person who helped her at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court made matters worse because she was just blatantly rude. “I feel sorry for all the victims, especially those seeking protection orders against abuse. For me, it’s about my kids. I don’t care if they kill me, but if they’re gonna hurt my kids, it will affect me, as I have already lost a child. I will do everything in my power to protect my children.

“My daughter, aged 12, is now seeing a therapist and is suicidal, which, if I am honest, I too would rather commit suicide before being killed or raped, or having to watch this happen to my children. I want justice. I will show up at every court appearance.”

She is now seeking a final protection order to ensure her family’s safety. Roux gives a nod to Detective Mpendulo Mashaba and Constable Derrick Maubane, from the Douglasdale Police Station, for handling her case very well, and with so much empathy.

Johannesburg District Police corporate communication co-ordinator Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane could not provide comment, besides saying that investigations are still underway.

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.