Queensburgh jogger robbed of cellphone at knifepoint
The woman's cellphone was later recovered.
A SECURITY company operating in the greater Queensburgh area, alongside many neighbourhood watches and the Malvern CPF, have issued a statement noting that since the beginning of level 3 of the lockdown, there has been an increase in serious and violent crimes.
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Andreas Mathios, media liaison officer for Blue Security, was quoted in a press release dated Monday, 22 June describing the successful capture and arrest of two knife-wielding suspects who allegedly held up a woman who was out jogging on the morning of Friday, 19 June.
The suspects were allegedly trying to steal the jogger’s mobile phone.
“Blue Security reaction officers responded to a call out received just after 8am reporting that a female jogger had been held up at knifepoint by two suspects, while jogging along Piet Retief Road in Queensburgh,” Mathios said.
“On arriving at the scene, the officers saw members of the community chasing two men on foot,” he said.
“The officers joined in the chase and were successful in apprehending one suspect and detaining him until members of Malvern SAPS arrived at the scene,” he said.
“The stolen cellphone was recovered and the jogger was fortunate to not sustain any injuries,” he said. The suspect was handed over to police.
Advice
The security company included the following tips in its statement to help residents keep safe while exercising during lockdown:
1. Remember to be completely aware of your surroundings. Whether you are running, jogging, or just taking a Sunday stroll, keep your head up and your eyes and ears open. It is not recommended that you listen to music while exercising as it impedes your ability to detect not only other people but traffic too.
2. If you are alert of your surroundings you should be able to detect whether or not you are being followed. If you feel like you are being followed by another pedestrian walk to a public place such as a mall or the nearest police station. Remember to always walk on the side of the street that faces traffic, however, if you feel like you are being followed by a vehicle, never try to outrun them, rather turn around and go in the other direction.
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3. Get security on the go with a panic button from your security company to call for help if you need it.
4. Walk in an assertive, confident manner, making eye contact with the people around you and always be vigilant of anyone around you who seems to be suspicious. Learn to steer clear of strangers who appear to be up to no goo, if necessary use the need to practice social distancing to help you feel less guilty about crossing the road when people are coming in your direction.
5. Plan your route before you go out, sticking to well-lit areas, and avoid short cuts through deserted parks and other areas. Remember that as Winter approaches it will begin to get darker much earlier in the day.
6. While exercising in groups is still forbidden, you are able to go for daily runs with members of your own household or neighbourhood as long as you maintain the recommended social distance of 1.5m.
7. If you must venture out alone, inform a loved one of the route you will be taking and when to expect you back.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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