Community involvement key to arresting robbers
Two toy firearms, three knives and the stolen property were recovered.
Strong community teamwork led to the arrest of four men who robbed a supermarket at Dumezulu in KwaNzimakwe near Port Edward recently.
It was reported that one of the four men entered the supermarket and produced a firearm, demanding that the storekeeper open the metal cage door.
The others joined him, grabbed cash, groceries and a cellphone, and fled.
Saps Ugu District Communications said two toy firearms, three knives and the stolen property were recovered from the men.
Two of the four men, who are aged between 18 and 21, were charged with business robbery and appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court last Thursday. The other two are recovering in hospital after an assault, allegedly by certain community members.
“While communities are passionate about fighting crime, the public is cautioned against taking the law into its own hands. Vigilantism is the act of punishing perceived offences without legal authority. It is a crime to take the law into your own hands and anyone found guilty of vigilantism will be prosecuted,” said Saps.
No person may assault or kill a person if they suspect that the person might be guilty of a crime. The public is encouraged to report any criminal activity to the nearest police station or call 10111 in case of emergency.
Call Crimestop on 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS App to give tip-offs. If you see something report it.
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