A 19-year-old suspect was waiting to hear his fate this morning, Monday, June 13 following his arrest on Saturday, June 11 at approximately 04:10 in Mandela Section, Bekkersdal.

Bekkersdal police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the victim of a house robbery was sleeping in his shack when he was allegedly awoken by the sound of something moving.

Also read: Homeowner held at gunpoint, tied up and robbed – Mapogo crime report

“He opened his eyes to find a man removing his Nokia cellphone from a stand next to his bed. He tried to stop the thief but was threatened with a knife. He surrendered and the thug fled with his cellphone.”

A few minutes later the victim heard another sound inside the shack, and when he checked he found another man inside the shack, trying to get out through the roof.

He managed to restrain the intruder and called the police. The perpetrator was arrested and charged with house robbery. He was expected to appear in court this morning, Monday, June 13, while attempts to trace his friend are continuing.”

In a separate incident at approximately 20:15 on Saturday, June 11 two or more armed thugs entered a local tavern and fired shots randomly, fatally wounding a 30-year-old victim and injuring three others seriously, Lefakane said. The Bekkersdal police also launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

“The motive for the attack is still under investigation and the suspects are deemed to the armed and dangerous. We are appealing to the community to avoid becoming victims of crimes by not walking alone in the streets or visiting liquor places until late,” warned Lefakane.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators may contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111; alternatively send an anonymous tip-off via SMS on 32211 or use the My SAPS app to remain anonymous.