Immediately after an alert was circulated of an armed robbery on an elderly couple in Oyster Bay, SAPS St Francis Bay, Humansdorp K9, private security companies and the community rallied together and the hunt for the three suspects started in earnest on October 10.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, on Monday at about 18:30, an elderly couple who are in their late 70’s returned to their home in Galjoen Street in Oyster Bay.
She said as the complainant parked his bakkie in the driveway, he noticed three unknown men opposite his house.
“He approached the unknown men and enquired from them as to their presence. As he turned to leave, one of the men grabbed him from behind and held a knife against him while the other male produced a firearm,” said Naidu.
“The suspects attempted to force the couple into the garage, however, they put up a brave fight and started screaming.
“The suspects ran off with the woman’s handbag and the complainant’s .22 pistol.”
Naidu said once news of the attack was circulated, the team combed the large bushy areas in search of the men.
She further said at about 20:50, Humansdorp K9 unit succeeded in arresting a 32-year-old suspect who was hiding in the thicket.
“A 9mm pistol was found in his possession and the woman’s handbag was also recovered. The firearm was reported stolen in Gauteng in 2011,” said Naidu.
The remaining two suspects, aged between 25 and 28 years old, were arrested at about 04:30 on October 11, by the community and private security. The suspects were also hiding in bushes.
Naidu said the complainant’s firearm has not yet been recovered.
“The suspects are detained on charges of armed robbery and are expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Naidu.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Brigadier John Lebok commended the teamwork between the SAPS, private security, and the community.
“Working together as a team towards a common vision will always reap positive effects,” said Lebok.
“We are committed to enhancing community involvement so that by working in partnership, we can have a positive impact on crime and criminality. Community policing is a people’s programme for the people to take back control of their own communities, and to ensure that there is no space for criminals, but space for our women, children, the elderly to move about freely in our neighbourhoods.”
