Swift response by vigilant investigators attached to the Knysna detective branch landed four suspects from Cape Town behind bars after they were linked to a house robbery incident that occurred in Rio Street, Knysna on Monday, 3 August 2020. The suspects aged between 28 and 39 were arrested with the assistance from the George Public Order Police Unit on the N2 near Hartenbos earlier on 5 August 2020.
Preliminary investigation reveals that four suspects, two of them armed with objects, a panga and a screwdriver, entered the residence and accosted the occupants. After threatening the couple and their two sons, they took jewellery, cellphones and some personal items before they fled the scene on foot.
Local Detectives combed the scene for clues and found some of the stolen items as well as a backpack with housebreaking implements in the bushes adjacent to the house.
Earlier 5 August 2020, at about 13:00, the investigating officer followed up information received that the suspects boarded a taxi to Cape Town at the Knysna taxi rank. Based on the information received, the investigation officer immediately activated the Public Order Police in George to assist them to apprehend the suspects. A search for the minibus taxi ensued which was traced to the N2 highway near Mossel Bay. The vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, was pulled over and the four suspects were found amongst the occupants of the taxi.
Members confiscated a bag with jewellery and a cellphone that was found in their possession.
The four suspects are currently being processed whilst in custody. They will appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ court on Friday 7 August 2020, on a charge of house robbery.
The Garden Route District Commander, Maj Gen Oswald Reddy has commended the members involved for the swift response and the coordination as well as cooperation between the different units within the SAPS. He also emphasised the importance of sound community police relations which restores confidence and trust in the police. He therefore acknowledge the role the community in general play in providing valuable information that enable SAPS to bring perpetrators to book.
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