Community helps to catch a thief

A house robbery in Adolf Schuman Street on Tuesday 8 July had a positive ending when the alleged culprit was arrested the very next day.
This came after valuable information was received from the public as well as by diligent follow-up investigations by the Ermelo Police’s Crime Intelligence Unit.
According to acting police spokesman W/O Dumisane Sibeko, the suspect, Edward Lovemore Mkhatshwa (26), entered the house at about 10:00 and tied the domestic worker up with clothing after forcing her to reveal where the safe and valuables were hidden. He then ransacked the house and dislodged the safe from the wall to which it was mounted.
He fled the scene after taking cash, small electronic items and a 9mm pistol. A while later, the woman managed to free herself and to raise the alarm. Police arrested Mkhatshwa the next day after information was received from the public. Nearly all the stolen items as well as the firearm were found in his possession.
He appeared in court on Thursday 10 July and was remanded in custody. In a sequel to the incident, the Ermelo Neighbourhood Watch on Monday awarded the four policemen involved in the investigation with certificates of appreciation for their good work in apprehending the suspect.
Col Winnie Mavuso, station commander of the Ermelo Police, accepted the certificates on behalf of the police members from the manager of Sector 4 Neighbourhood Watch, Mr Louis Geldenhuys. A letter of appreciation was also handed to Col Mavuso.
“This has once again shown that the public can play a vital role in assisting the police with vital information that can help in bringing criminals to book,” said Col Mavuso.
She extended her appreciation to the police members for their good work.