Two off-duty detective police officers did not hesitate to spring into action when they realised that intruders had entered their residential complex early Thursday morning, 28 February 2019.
It is alleged that at about 04:30, Col Paul Oranje (Mount Road Cluster Detective Coordinator) was about to leave for his daily run when he noticed suspicious males in their complex in Lancing Street, Sherwood and he also heard noises emanating from an elderly woman’s house on the same premises. Col Oranje immediately contacted Capt Rio Kriel (Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit – Gang Investigation) who also lives in the same complex. Both officers armed with their firearms cautiously approached the house from different directions.
The suspects were warned to surrender and warning shots were fired. Suspects approx. 3-6 ran out of the house and one suspect on hearing the shots ran back into the house. Capt Kriel ran after him into the house and a scuffle ensued between the suspect and the police officer. The suspect was armed with a knife and a screwdriver. The 29 year old suspect was eventually overpowered and arrested. Other suspects got away.
The 85 year old woman and her 59 year old daughter were unaware that their place was broken into. Entry to the house was gained by breaking open the sliding door.
The suspect is detained on a charge of house robbery. Further arrests are imminent.
Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile complimented the two officers who heeded to the call for action. ‘”These officers were alert and approached the situation with caution and tact. We are glad that the elderly complainant and her daughter are safe and that nobody was harmed. A police officer is never off duty and they risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our citizens,” added Maj Gen Patekile.
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