THANKS to an alert bystander, two men were quickly arrested following the mugging of a woman on the Bluff.
At about 4.40pm on Monday, 8 September a woman was attacked by two men while walking along Tara Road near the Bluff Nature Reserve. She tried to fight off her attackers, but one of them pulled out a knife and threatened her, making it possible for them to get away with her handbag and mobile phone.
A man who witnessed the mugging chased after the thieving duo, but they escaped into nearby bushes. He phoned the police, who responded to the scene immediately.
Armed with a description of the two thieves, Warrant Officer Craig Everton from the Metro K9 unit and his dog partner, Shaka began their search. W/O Everton called for the men to surrender but they remained hidden.
Shaka quickly picked up the scent and the team tracked the thieves and about 100 meters into the bushes, he found one of the two, hiding under a bush with the woman’s handbag.
The 26-year-old man was arrested and a day later he led police to his 29-year-old accomplice. Both were charged with common robbery and appeared in court on Thursday, 11 September, were bail was denied because Brighton Beach SAP investigating officer, Warrant Officer, Marius van der Looy believes them to be a flight risk and they were incarcerated while police made further investigations into other possible crimes committed.
They appeared in the Durban Regional Court again on Wednesday, 17 September and were sent to Westville Prison while investigations continue.
“The partnership that exists between the Metro K9 unit and Brighton Beach SAP has been long standing and we are very appreciative of the support we receive from Metro within our policing area. Shaka and W/O Everton are congratulated on apprehending the suspect,” said Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux.
