Community brings crooks to book

Last night Alpha Security and police arrested four burglars in Westbrook, with the help of the Westbrook community and the Whatsapp mobile ‘app’.

A joint operation of the Umhlali K9, Durban K9, Umhlali SAPS and Tongaat SAPS brought the men to book at around 6pm.

Earlier in the day there was an attempted robbery on Ashley Road.

Later that afternoon, Alpha Security were tipped off via Whatsapp by residents who had noticed ‘strange activity’ on Acacia drive in Westbrook.

An armed reaction officer was sent to the house and found the robbery in progress. Three armed men fled the house on foot while two others drove off in a Silver Audi.

The Audi headed towards Zimbali on the M4.

Alpha area manager Rex Hunt drove down the M4 from Ballito to try and cut off the vehicle.
Alpha Security, along with members of the community, tracked the three men on foot.

In the mean time, the Audi was seen parked at the Zimbali construction gate. The SAPS units went to the spot and arrested one man and impounded the Audi.

The other three men were found in the bush near Westbrook and were arrested.

Hunt believes that using communication applications like Whatsapp has been crucial in reducing crime in the area.
“We were not in Westbrook until eight months ago but when we set up there I started the community Whatsapp group and it has worked fantastically. It has done a tremendous job at helping us stop crime,” he said.

Hunt estimated that about 80 people are on the Whatsapp group.

The men, aged between 20 and 40 years old, are due to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. The date has not yet been confirmed.

They are also believed to be involved in a number of other house break ins in the Ballito, Salt Rock, Umhlali and Tongaat.

According to Tongaat SAPS communications officer, Lieutenant Mandy Govender, one of the suspects, Sifiso Wunase Masinga (40) was charged for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.