A Birchleigh North resident made a citizen’s arrest on Tuesday when he spotted a man jumping over a wall.
When the man then picked up a 17.1kg gas bottle, his suspicion increased and he decided to follow him.
Capt Lesibana Molokomme, Norkem Park SAPS spokesman, said the incident occurred at about 1.30pm at the intersection of Pongola River Drive and Strydom Street.
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Molokomme said the community member spotted the suspect jumping over a wall behind Birchleigh North Pick n Pay. He was then followed to where the arrest was made.
As the concerned citizen questioned the man, a Norkem Park detective drove past and stopped to assist.
The suspect, aged 23, failed to give an explanation or prove that he was the lawful owner of the gas bottle. He was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
“The station appreciates the good work done by the community member. We urge residents to be the eyes and ears of the police by reporting any crime or suspicious person or car to 011-391-1814/5, or sector vehicles 071-675-6803/4/5/6/7, or 086-001-0111.”
