Vryheid’s Neighbourhood Watch nabs thief in the act
When the plan called for action, Imtiaz Sahib showed no signs of slacking as he gave chase on foot, in what could be described as something out of a movie.
A WOULD-BE thief got more than he bargained for when he recently tried to outrun Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch last Friday.
Members of the Watch, who had embarked on a special operation last Friday, after receiving several complaints about remote blocking and smash and grab incidents in Utrecht Street, in the area between High and East Street, responded after a report came through of a suspect breaking into a vehicle near ACE Mica’s tile department.
The plan was to get as many patrollers as possible visible in the area.
“We need to let these criminals know that we will not accept this,” stated Patrol Commander, Imtiaz Sahib, who orchestrated the operation.
When the plan called for action, Imtiaz Sahib showed no signs of slacking as he gave chase on foot, in what could be described as something out of a movie, as the suspect tried to evade the long arm of the law by ducking and diving through twists and turns in the hope of getting lost in the crowd. But the perpetrator was no match for the teamwork of Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch and Sahib managed to close in on him with the assistance of other members who were able to entrap the fleeing perpetrator.
Sahib carried out a citizen’s arrest, using minimum force to subdue the thief while waiting for the SAPS to arrive at the scene and the suspect was subsequently escorted to the SAPS Charge Office.
“Thank you, Imtiaz and the whole crew that took part in the operation…” stated Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch Chairman, Andrè Rheder. “Congratulations on the arrest. We hope that the judicial system will take its proper course…”
