A MALVERN gardener’s scream for help led to the arrest of two men who stole a brush cutter moments earlier.
Malvern SAPS communications officer, Sgt Sthembile Kheswa said, “Warrant officer Clint Lourens, accompanied by warrant officer Deon Cloete, were patrolling Northdene Main Road on Thursday morning when they heard a scream for help and spotted two men running down the road carrying an orange brush cutter.
“The complainant screamed for help and shouted that the two men stole his brush cutter.”
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“The complainant said the men had allegedly pointed a firearm at him while taking the brush cutter.
“W/O Lourens suddenly stopped the patrol van, in the middle of the road and gave chase on foot with W/O Cloete closely behind him,” said Kheswa, who was asked to comment on a tip given to the Queensburgh News by an eagle-eyed reader.
Getaway vehicle
The reader, who wished to remain anonymous, said the vehicle the two men were headed towards had no licence plates, a detail Khwesa confirmed in her statement.
“The suspect threw the brush cutter in a stationary white vehicle with no number plate. As the suspects jumped inside the vehicle, the police managed to stop them and arrest them,” said Kheswa.
Bail
In addition to the two suspects (aged 22 and 23) being charged with theft, police, while registering the arrest, found out the men were facing carjacking charges for which they were already out on bail.
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“Furthermore, upon searching the vehicle, different vehicle number plates were found,” said Kheswa.
“Police visibility assists the community and it is our responsibility to remove criminals from our streets. I comment both policemen for an outstanding arrest,” said Kheswa whose sentiment was echoed by station commander, Lt Col Val Reddy.
” I am proud of my members. This is an excellent quick response from the SAPS which yielded excellent results,” said Reddy. “We will make ensure their bail will be forfeited. They will be sent straight to jail.”
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