A security guard, employed to ensure the safety of a house in Jellicoe Avenue in Melrose, was arrested on 14 September for plotting a robbery at his employer’s house.
This was revealed by the Norwood police saying the suspect was arrested together with one of his accomplices, while the second accomplice managed to escape.
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According to police spokesperson, Captain Elliot Tshivhase the three had planned to rob the house because the owner is apparently overseas for her husband’s funeral.
Tshivhase said the owner left a gardener in charge of the house while the owner was abroad.
“The security guard allegedly leaked the information and planned the robbery with his accomplices,” said Tshivhase.
“On the day, the gardener was in the house when the house’s intercom rang. When he went to check on the security camera he saw some guys he did not recognise.”
Tshivhase said the gardener then phoned the neighbour to notify him that there were people at the gate and the neighbour contacted ADT security company who then came to inspect.
“When they got to the house, a guard approached them and told them the situation has been resolved, while in fact, the suspects were hiding in the guardhouse.
“The ADT security officers then left. Soon afterwards, an intercom rang again and the gardener phoned the neighbour again who then contacted both ADT and Cap [Security],” said Tshivhase.
Upon arrival, Tshivhase said Cap officers were also approached by the same guard who told them there was nothing going on while allegedly knowing that the suspects were still inside – ADT officers also came back again.
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“The officers then decided to take a look around and that’s when a gunshot was fired by one of the suspects and the officers took cover. While undercover, one of the suspects managed to flee the scene and a guard, as well as one of his accomplices, were then arrested. No one was injured.”
The two suspects are facing charges of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The other suspect is still on the run.
Details: Norwood Police Station 011 483 4609.
