A suspect was released, without being charged, by the Sophiatown police after being arrested for trespassing in a resident’s home.
This according to Westdene resident Bokani Moyo, who said an intruder was caught on their property in the early hours of the morning on 24 March.
Her helper alerted her to a man standing on the veranda after the dog started growling while looking in the same direction. Moyo immediately called the police.
“I then called my two brothers who stay in a cottage on the property, who managed to catch the intruder.
Since we weren’t sure about how long the police were going to take, they decided to lock the intruder in the tool shed until the police arrived. At this stage I wasn’t sure if he was alone, so we decided to wait for the police at the gate.
The Sophiatown police arrived 15 minutes later,” said Moyo.
She added that the police arrested the suspect. The police informed her they would contact her by 6am so she could open a case. When they failed to do so, she went to the police station to inquire about the case.
“I was informed the officers were no longer on duty and would only be available the following week. I was also told no case was opened and there was no record of the suspect having been detained,” said Moyo.
The Westdene resident returned to the police station on 26 March for an update on her case. She was informed to return on 29 March.
“My main concern is for the safety of my family since the suspect is not in police custody. What if he comes back for revenge and does more damage? I will go back to the police to lay a complaint if nothing is done.”
Meanwhile, Sophiatown police spokesperson, Warrant Officer TJ de Bruyn, said residents are welcome to go to the police station with any queries or if they wish to lay a complaint with the station commander. The case will be investigated.
“In a case where there’s no evidence, a suspect can be released,” said De Bruyn.
This is a developing story. More information will be published once it becomes available.
