A burglar was caught red-handed, then chased down by Dowry Security and ultimately arrested by police at a home in Wag-‘n-bietjie Street in Wilro Park yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 19 November.
What could be described as a brave effort by Dowry Security and an alert Neighbourhood Watch led to a failed robbery and a burglar being captured at around 4pm in a relatively quiet neighbourhood.
Harem Botha, co-owner of Dowry Security says, “One of our patrol officers received a tip-off about a housebreaking in the area by Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch members. They said that two suspects were spotted breaking into a home.
“At our arrival the suspects started to run and tried to flee in taxis. The patrol officer gave chase, managed to stop one of the taxis, identified and cuffed one culprit thanks to a detailed description by the Neighbourhood Watch and brought him back to the house.
“The suspect also was in possession of a cellphone belonging to the owner of the house. We then contacted the police.”
Owner of the house Riette Fourie says it’s not the first time that robbers targeted her home.
“This is the third time since August this year. Thank God no one was inside during the robbery.”
A main bedroom window was broken, the dressing table damaged, the room was left a shambles and the putty on one of the windows – that was broken before – was tampered with.
“It is obvious that it is the same criminals because the putty has not dried yet,” Fourie added.
Fourie admits that she lives in fear and is considering applying for a firearm licence to protect herself and her two sons.
“We are not safe,” she says.
Roodepoort SAPS spokesperson, Constable Vincent Mashiteng confirmed that the suspect is 29 years old and has been charged with housebreaking and theft.
He will appear in court on Thursday 21 November.
