Two men aged 29 and 38 are expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court this morning, 28 July for allegedly having committed a house robbery on Sunday, 26 July.

Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson said the crime occurred at the Tambo informal settlement in Bekkersdal at approximately 4.40am.

She said the victim was awoken by the sound of a firearm being cocked and found two armed men in his shack.

“They demanded money and cellphones from the victim, assaulted him and eventually fled the scene with four cellphones and an undisclosed amount of money,” Lefakane said.

She added that after the matter was reported to the police, one suspect was arrested with the help of the community, leading to the arrest of his accomplice. Three cellphones were recovered during the arrests.

Colonel Phumelele Matamela, the Bekkersdal Police station commander who commended the swift reaction and recovery of the stolen items, said, “This is the kind of reaction we expect from our community in partnership with the police”.