Community assists in apprehending house robbery suspect
The determination and commitment of Zonkizizwe police continued from October 19 to 21 as nine suspects were arrested for various crimes committed in the Zonkizizwe policing precinct.
Communications officer for Zonkizizwe SAPS Sgt Rufus Tema said among the suspects is a 25-year-old male who was arrested for house robbery, attempted rape and possession of suspected stolen property.
“According to the 18-year-old complainant, she was asleep on October 20 at about 2am when the suspect entered her room in Zone Three. She suddenly woke up and saw the suspect with a knife in hand trying to force his way under her blankets. The complainant screamed for help and then the suspect ran away with the complainant’s cellphone.
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“Upon hearing the screams, one neighbour woke up and blew a whistle to alert others. Then a hunt ensued, leading the community members to the suspect’s residential place in Zone Two, where he was apprehended and handed to the police,” said Tema.
He said the police searched the suspect and found him still in possession of the complainant’s cellphone.
Other suspects were arrested for assault with the intention of causing serious bodily harm, possession of the suspected stolen property and dealing in liquor without licence.
Some of the suspects have already appeared in the Palmrigde Magistrate’s Court, while others are expected to appear soon.
Tema said the Zonkizizwe SAPS applauds the community members for helping them in the arrest of the suspect without resorting to violence.
“As we brace ourselves for the festive season, criminals are waiting to pounce on unsuspecting law-abiding citizens, Zonkizizwe policing area in particular. Therefore, a positive police-community partnership needs to be sustained in order for the entire community to feel safe at all times,” Tema said.
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