News that two of the gang members arrested in connection with Bedfordview house robberies were granted bail not only sent shock waves through residents, it left many fearing for their lives.
The four men were arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning, on May 7, when the Detective Unit of the Bedfordview SAPS, officers from the Organised Crime Unit, the Crime Intelligence Unit and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) intelligence team, conducted an operation after receiving a tip off.
The turn of events did not sit well with residents, some of whom are allegedly victims of the gang.
They vented their frustrations on Facebook.
One resident posted, “What the hell is going to happen to me now? I was ready to participate in an identity parade to link the suspects to the robbery at my house. Our police have worked their hardest to arrest these men and I hope that at the end of the day, there will be justice, for all our sakes. It must be demoralising for all those who worked so hard on the case and I hope there will be a happy ending where justice will be served.”
The Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) chairperson, Mr Gavin Henry, shared the same sentiments, stating that he was devastated the gang members were granted bail, allegedly set at R3 000 each.
“I am absolutely gutted to have to report that two of the the four guys arrested last week for the home invasions are already out on bail. The investigating officer was not even given the opportunity to oppose bail. We have been let down by our criminal justice system and the National Prosecuting Authority. We will not give up,” said Mr Henry.
A source close to the investigation told the NEWS that investigators were tightening their case against the men and that there was no need for residents to panic.
According to some residents, during the five days the men were in custody, the suburb was quiet in terms of criminal activity.
One of the victims said, “I was followed from a shopping mall last Wednesday and hijacked. I am not saying the incidents are linked to the suspects, but it makes me wonder how suddenly there are incidents again after they are released.”
A request for comment was sent to the NPA.
At the time of publishing, no comment had been received.
