Community fights back, crook ends up in hospital
He had to go to hospital because his leg was injured in the incident.
Community members took the law into their own hands after a man stole a cell phone on 27 February.
The incident occurred at the Princess Street and Beyers Naudé Street intersection.
“I had just been at the FNB ATM and was on my way to the milk shop in the Spar parking lot,” Ms Shaunee Scallan, the victim of the theft, said.
“I had also just finished speaking on my cell phone and as I wanted to place it in my handbag I noticed a hand from behind reaching over and grabbing the phone.”
Ms Scallan carried her four-year-old daughter in her other hand when her phone was grabbed.
“I began screaming as if I was being attacked, which got everyone’s attention and everyone in the area chased down the man,” Ms Scallan also said.
“When the thief was captured some people really manhandled him.
“It is astonishing that people of all races worked together to capture the man.”
He was then secured by community members until the police arrived to arrest him.
“They say everything happens so quickly, but in my case everything felt like it was happening in slow motion.
“I am grateful that nobody was injured in the incident and that I got my phone back in one piece.
“He did not even have time to take out the sim card or battery.”
According to the the crime office of the Standerton Police the suspect was arrested and charged with robbery, but was granted bail on the same day.
He had to go to hospital because his leg was injured in the incident.
