Four arrested after East Rand robbery

The family were at home when a group of armed men entered their house demanding money and valuables, Heidelberg Nigel Heraut reported.

According to Nigel police, the men struck one of the victims on the head with a firearm. The victims were then tied up before the robbers ransacked the house.

“During the robbery, one of the victims managed to escape and ran outside shouting for help. The men then set after the victim when their neighbour stepped outside and demanded the men to stop, warning them that he will shoot if they do not comply,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Madeleine von Wielligh.

“The one suspect then fired off numerous shots followed by shots from the neighbour, which struck one of the intruders in the leg.”

Police, with members of the Community Policing Forum and the Nigel Community of Patrollers (NCOP), were called by residents in the area for assistance, who then chased after the robbers.

“The wounded man was arrested at the house, while the second man was arrested after he was found hiding behind a municipal building on Republiek Avenue. Two other suspects were found and detained by CPF members close to Reinhardt Transport Group’s buildings,” said Von Wielligh.

Police said a 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene where the second arrest was made.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) said violent crimes that South Africans fear most, including murder, attempted murder and robbery, have increased dramatically over the past two years.

ISS crime and justice information hub manager Lizette Lancaster said incidents of burglary increased by 8% for the five years from April 2006 to March 2011.

“House robberies increase in the months leading up to the festive season, starting in October and remaining high in December, dropping off by about 11% in January,” said Lancaster.

– Caxton News Service