Norwood police have praised the community of the Joburg east suburbs for their contribution in helping them to arrest two robbery suspects in Orange Grove.
The two suspects were arrested by ADT security officers on 12 September after robbing Lido Café in Orange Grove, situated along Louis Botha Avenue.
According to Norwood Police Station’s spokesperson, Captain Elliot Tshivhase, the arrests could not have been possible without the community assisting the officers.
Tshivhase said the community played an integral role in ensuring that the suspects were arrested for committing this dubious crime in their area.
The suspects entered the café and pointed a firearm at the owner demanding cash from the till, North Eastern Tribune reported, week ending 22 September.
At about 8pm on the day, the security officers received a panic alarm from the café. Two reaction officers were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival, noticed two suspects running out of the shop and jumping into a white Toyota Corolla.
The officers immediately gave chase and cornered the suspects’ vehicle. They ordered the suspects to get out, at which point one suspect made a run for it and the other two were caught by the officers. A second security company arrived to assist.
“The mutual dependence by the ADT security officers, the community and the police played an important role in ensuring this arrest,” said Tshivhase.
“The community witnessed the incident and raised the alarm and the owner managed to alert the security company about the robbery.”
Tshivhase said, on behalf of the station commander of Norwood police, Colonel Anna Jojisa, they commend the community for their role in this situation.
He then encouraged the community to continue working with the police to bring perpetrators to book and face the might of the law.
Details: Norwood Police Station 011 483 4609.
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