A PRIVATE security officer has been praised for his vigilance which led to the arrest of a suspected thief who is now in police custody.
ADT security guard, Skhumbuso Hlabisa, was on patrol in Currie Road at 1.30am on Sunday 2 October when he noticed a suspicious man running towards him, carrying a small box. He stopped the man and questioned him as to why he appeared to be fleeing. The suspect denied that he was running away from anyone and claimed he was training.
Ivan Govender, district manager of ADT Security KwaZulu-Natal, said Hlabisa’s suspicions were confirmed when a resident from Guilford Road came running around the corner and shouted “catch him.”
Before the suspect could make an escape, Hlabisa apprehended him. The resident explained that the suspect had broken into his home via a side window and stolen an iPhone and WIFI router before fleeing on foot.
The suspect was handed over for arrest to members of the Berea SAPS.
Govender praised Skhumbuso Hlabisa for his vigilance and bravery. “I am proud of the officer’s courageousness which ensured that the criminal has now been placed behind bars. Even though the resident was not an ADT client the guard still answered his call of duty by apprehending the suspect which shows our commitment towards the greater community.”
He advised residents to regularly test their alarm systems and to ensure that windows and doors, including garage doors, are properly closed and secured.
“I urge the general public to request a security assessment with their respective security providers to ensure that they are safely protected, and that the best and most up to date technologies are in use.”
He said it is advisable to add to the layers of your security by being proactive with your equipment and the placement thereof.
“Residents are urged to request regular security assessments, join their neighbourhood watch or implement security guarding at their complex, street or house,” he said.
