AN alleged thief fell approximately 30 meters down the Kloof Gorge on Monday 20 January, while he was attempting to escape from police custody.
According to Lt France Mkhize, of the Hillcrest SAPS, the suspect was being transported from the Pinetown Magistrate court to the Hillcrest SAPS holding cells when he evaded police custody.
“He allegedly told the warrant officer who was responsible for his transfer that he had concealed some of the stolen goods under a bush, and that he would take him to the spot where he had hidden the goods. He directed them to some bushes near the gorge and while they were searching the bushes the handcuffed suspect fled. No goods were found at the scene,” said Mkhize.
Subsequently, he fell down the gorge near the King George Road picnic site, where he sustained serious internal injuries.
According to media reports the suspect fell approximately 15 metres before rolling down a steep slope and falling an additional seven metres onto a metre-wide ledge, overhanging a 20 metre drop into the river below.
The suspect was returned into SAPS custody after a three-hour rescue mission conducted by Rescuetech, with the assistance of SAPS Search and Rescue, Metro Fire Services and KZN Wildlife rangers.
“The suspect is currently in hospital under police supervision. The investigation has been suspended until he has recovered. His condition is stable, but serious. He was reportedly awake and responsive at the scene,” said Mkhize.
Steven King of Waterfall Crime Watch and Secure Link, reported that the alleged thief had been arrested on Friday 17 January. “We received a call that a person was jumping fences into properties along King George Avenue.
A patrol car was sent out, and it was not long before the patroller saw an individual walking along carrying a suitcase. When the individual saw the patroller he dropped the suitcase and fled. The patroller managed to catch up to the suspect and he was arrested,” said King.
Inside the suitcase the patroller found electrical tools, as well as a subscription magazine. The owner was tracked using the name on the magazine.
“We were able to link the suspect to the robbery that occurred at the resident’s workshop in Queens Crescent in Forest Hills,” said King.
