Police arrest one of three in a shoot-out following a house robbery.
Linden Police Station is monitoring and making inroads in relation to the rise of robberies and burglaries taking place at particular complexes. According to the station’s Captain Alex Vermaak, an arrest was made on August 25 when police had a potentially fatal encounter with three suspects. He said, “Three suspects robbed a mother and her sleeping children in a flat in one of the complexes in Windsor West. On their way out, they were met by police who were patrolling the streets. The subsequent shoot-out left one of the robbers wounded.”
Police apprehended one of the three suspects, while the others managed to flee the scene.
According to Captain Vermaak, the housebreaking is related to a recent trend where complexes administered by one particular agency are allegedly being targeted. “Information has been received that the recent increase in house robberies and burglaries in the complexes being administered by an agency resulted in this threat. Linden police are working closely with security providers in the Windsor area, including the agency in discussion, and has recently put in place an intervention to address these incidents.”
It was these actions that resulted in police finding the suspects in the act and thereafter surviving a shoot-out with them.
Station Commander Colonel Ahmed Musthan thanked his members for their perseverance and vigilance when patrolling. He applauded Captain Sandra Veeran and Constable Leon Machete, Sergeant Elma Malesa and Constable Rivalani Mhlangeni – the officers that came under fire and managed to avoid injuries came out unscathed.
The wounded suspect was arrested and is currently under hospital guard in a Johannesburg hospital. Police continue to investigate the matter and will remain in contact with the manager of the agency to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Police are requesting flat dwellers to ensure they remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour in the complexes to the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or the sector vehicle responsible for Windsor 071 675 6050.
This is a developing story. An update will be made as soon as one has become available.
