Suspect hides in tree
After a spate of burglaries in Mbombela, security and armed response company, Divergent Ops, managed to catch one of three suspects.
According to owner Jacques Meiring, the arrested suspect, along with two other accomplices, are believed to be behind the string of burglaries in West Acres over the past two months.
“The suspect was arrested after the three were spotted in a yard in the area yesterday,” Meiring said. According to reports, the homeowner contacted Divergent Ops after seeing the three men in his yard. The three fled on foot.
A chase ensued and one of the fleeing trio hid in a tree where he was apprehended by security officers. “The suspects are believed to be the three terrorising the West Acres area with house break-ins.”
Meiring did not disclose any further information about the number of houses burglarised and said that revealing any more information would jeopardise investigations into the three suspects’ alleged crimes.
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The suspect was handed over to police. Bateleur Estate has resorted to upgrading their security after recently experiencing a spate of burglaries. According to the estate’s Louise Snyman, Bateleur has been managed for approximately 10 years without any security incidents.
“Unfortunately, the estate has recently been the target of perpetrators stealing electronic equipment from empty units.
“Management is currently doing everything in their power to address the situation and has implemented various additional security measurements, among others, temporary fence cameras and additional foot and/or K9 patrols.
“Due to the increased criminal activity in South Africa, a review of the entire security system was already undertaken early in 2019.”
According to Snyman, Bateleur is in the process of installing permanent thermal cameras on the entire perimeter. The first cameras would have been operational by Friday.
“At the same time various upgrades are in process on the electric fence and perimeter.
This situation is receiving the highest priority from management,” Snyman said. She thanked all residents for their continued support and cooperation during this process.
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