In order to prevent and combat crime, it is critically important that there is an effective collaboration between the SAPS and private security companies. Such partnership will ultimately result in addressing and combatting crime in the neighbourhoods
It is alleged that on Sunday, 02 February 2020 at approximately 13:00, four suspects entered a supermarket in Buffelsfontein Street in Mount Pleasant. The suspects were armed and threatened the complainant (40- year-old). The office door was kicked opened and a safe was removed. Cash (from tills and customers), 5 cellphones (from employees and customers), a computer hard drive and cigarettes were also taken. The safe was loaded into the boot of a black vehicle. The suspects drove off with the boot opened.
Quick response by a security company responding to the complaint of business robbery led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of the vehicle which was suspected to have been hijacked in Bethelsdorp prior to the robbery.
Details of the getaway vehicle was immediately circulated and within minutes the vehicle was spotted in Martin Street, Charlo. A high speed chase ensued and on the corners of Main and William Moffet Roads, the vehicle collided with the security vehicle. Four suspects fled and a suspect aged 27 years, was arrested. A .38 Rossi special firearm and all the stolen property were recovered.
While the crime scene was still been processed, further information emerged that the black Open Astra was allegedly hijacked in Bethelsdorp.
The suspect will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate Court soon on charges of business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of suspected stolen vehicle and reckless and/or negligent driving. Detectives will be probing the possible link to the hijacking in Bethelsdorp. Further charges may be included as the investigation unfolds.
Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile commended the swift reaction of the security company which resulted in the arrest and recoveries. “Private security companies are an integral part of society and are one of our key stakeholders in the process of crime prevention. Enhanced co-operation between the SAPS and security companies will ensure that our communities are and feel safe,” added Maj Gen Patekile.
