A MAN who was arrested by a pensioner in Rockdale Avenue is believed to be the same man involved in a robbery which led to the death of a Westville resident.
Sergeant Stephen Clark of the Westville SAPS said on Tuesday, 5 May, a husband and wife were at home on Koningkramer Avenue.
At about 6:30pm they heard a noise in the lounge. When they went to investigate, they were confronted by two men who had forced the window burglar guards off and climbed through the window.
Clark said, “One suspect began struggling with the man, demanding money, and the resident was threatened with knives to reveal where the money was kept.
“The complainants alleged that they repeatedly told the suspects they had no money in the house. The suspect then allegedly stabbed the man in his side and his arm to force compliance, and after several strikes the victim collapsed. The second suspect had taken several items and they fled in the complainants’ Hyundai Atos.
“The man was rushed to hospital for treatment and a docket of house robbery was registered. Among the other items stolen were two cellphones, a bracelet and some loose coins.
“Fingerprint experts examined the scene and detectives from the Pinetown Cluster Task Team took the docket for investigation.
“The same suspects were strongly believed to be linked to several other incidents in that same area. A combination of community vigilance, visible policing and detectives dedicated to solving the crimes intended for there to be a breakthrough soon.
“On 13 May, we received the sad news that the man who had been stabbed had passed away. The docket charge added a count of murder.
“The breakthrough came on that same evening. Members of Westville SAPS Sector Policing were in the lower Berea West area, following up information on sightings of the suspects, when a call came through of an attempted robbery in Rockdale Avenue.
“The members were seconds away from the scene and, along with help from Blue Security and the complainant of the crime, a suspect was apprehended.”
