Students often are the vulnerable victims of robberies within the Summerstrand area as they commute between residence and the Nelson Mandela University but on Monday, 24 February 2020, the quick response from the community led to the immediate arrest of two alleged cell phone thieves.
It is alleged that at approximately 11:40, a 24-year-old student was standing in Admiralty Road waiting for the shuttle service when she noticed two suspicious men approaching her. She immediately stepped back, giving them space to pass her. The suspects realised that the student was suspicious of them and as they neared her, the one suspect threatened her by showing her a firearm under his shirt.
She immediately threw her cell phone into the open area and started running and screaming for help. Her screams attracted the attention of a number of motorists who heeded to her call for help and they started chasing after the suspects.
The one suspect failed in his attempt to fire a shot at the community. Both suspects were arrested and constrained by the community. Port Elizabeth K9 unit was patrolling in the area when they saw the community chasing after the alleged suspects. The cell phone was recovered.
Both suspects aged 21 and 22 were detained on charges of robbery with a firearm and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The suspects will appear at the Port Elizabeth magistrate court during the week.
Mount Road Cluster Commander Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile commended the community for coming to the assistance of the student. “Criminals are always on the prowl and students are urged not to expose their cell phones in public as they are often targeted by opportunistic thieves. The students must be on their guard at all times especially when they are at home. Always be security conscious,” advised Maj Gen Patekile.
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