When he saw a man jumping his neighbour’s wall in Donnelly Road, the resident called police who were swift to respond.
Armed with a description from the witness, Metro K9 Unit’s Warrant Officer Douglas Dalton searched the area. In Bruning Place, he saw a man matching the description emerging from some bushes.
The man was carrying a hefty bundle on his head, which W/O Dalton searched. In it he found a television and DVD player, which the man claimed he owned. W/O Dalton took the man and goods back to the home that had possibly been burglarised. He spoke to the woman renting a room on the property who found a door had been forced open and a TV and DVD player were missing. When she described the missing items, they matched those found on the man in Bruning Place.
The 30-year-old Wentworth man was arrested and charged for housebreaking and theft. He appeared in the Durban Regional Court on 2 November and pleaded guilty to the charges.
“The SAPS acknowledges the role the community member played in reporting the incident, and who was able to provide the responding Metro Police officer with a good description, resulting in the man being identified. W/O Dalton is commended for his prompt response to the complaint, tracing the suspect, effecting the arrest and recovering the stolen items valued at R1,000. We also acknowledge Constable Samukelo Memela who opposed bail, ensuring the suspect did not evade prosecution,” said Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux.
“The South African Police Services encourages our community to work with us and share any information they may have on a crime being committed or which has already been committed.”
Anonymously reports can be made by SMSing 32211, visiting www.crimeline.co.za or calling the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111.
