WATCH: Intruder suspected to be trapped in the roof on Alberton Boulevard
Voortrekker Road on the Alberton Boulevard has been blocked off, motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Different law enforcement agencies are currently monitoring and searching for a suspect who is believed to be hiding in the roof inside the building after breaking in at a Capitec Bank branch on Alberton Boulevard.
The suspect also abandoned clothing items stolen from a nearby store.
In an attempt to get the suspect out, the officers tear-gassed the roof. ATMs on the premises have since been closed.
Movement on the roof was reportedly heard by the officers as the search ensued.
A CPS Security reaction officer said: “The security company that does armed response here contacted us and we responded to the bank. From there on, we proceeded to the front door and saw that the roller shutter door was damaged and we waited for more backup and then proceeded in.”
He said they found the one suspect in the roof (inside the ventilation system) and they are currently busy searching the ventilation system and are waiting for other stores to open up and check other parts of the building.
Rana Hasssan, manager at Hassan Traders, said: “Last week someone tried to break our wall from the back to gain access to the store, but luckily they weren’t able to get inside.”
Justin Isaacs of Capitec Bank said: “We are aware of a recent break-in incident at our Alberton branch and want to reassure clients that the branch will operate normally later this week. We’ve opened a business burglary case against the perpetrator and will work closely with the SAPS in the investigation. The only damage incurred was to the branch infrastructure. Our security systems successfully detected the perpetrator, preventing any loss or breach of personal information or data regarding our clients.”
