The Olifantsfontein SAPS have arrested a 28-year-old man for attempted robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon in the Mochachos Shopping Complex in Clayville East on April 25 at about 1.56pm.
It is believed the suspect was rescued by the police from an angry community when they apprehended and assaulted him.
“It’s been alleged that a complainant was at the Mochachos Shopping Complex in Clayville East, when she was approached by the suspect who pulled out a knife and demanded money and a cellphone. The complainant screamed and community members came to her rescue,” said the Olifantsfontein SAPS communications officer, Constable Mokete Serakwana.
Serakwana added the suspect tried to run away but community members chased him until they caught him at the M57 road and took him to the shopping complex where he was assaulted.
“He suffered head injuries. An ambulance was called to the scene and he was transported to a hospital,” added Serakwana.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.
“We urge members of the community to not take the law into their own hands. It is a criminal offence to assault someone, regardless of the person being a perpetrator. Crime does not pay,” said Mokete.
