Woman’s life saved by the button

ROODEPOORT – A resident’s quick thinking saved her life as she managed to press the panic button while she was being tied up by two criminals who had slipped into her house while she was busy outside.

According to Florida Police spokesperson Captain Lydia Mtila Dikolomela, the incident happened on 28 August at about midday, when two males slipped into a unsuspecting victim’s house in Discovery in Honeyball Street.

“As the owner entered her house again after she was out, she noticed that two men were busy ransacking her house. After a struggle, the criminals tied her up and they continued to ransack the house,” said Dikomela.

She explained that while the woman was tied-up, she managed to press a panic button which alerted the security service who showed up a couple of minutes later.

“When the security officers arrived, the criminals fled and a chase ensued. Members in the community aided the security company and after a long chase they managed to capture one of the suspects, while the second one escaped.”

She added that the apprehended suspect appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on 1 September, but the case is pending as the police are still investigating the robbery.

“The second suspect escaped with a computer and hard-drive that he managed to steal from the woman.”

Caleb Finn from the Florida Blockwatch congratulated members of the community for their cooperation in catching the suspect.

He said, “If we work together, we can actively reduce crime by being more vigilant.”

Dikolomela concluded and said, “We are still busy investigating leads but we urge anyone who has more information on the whereabouts of the criminal who escaped to give us a call.”

Details: Captain Lydia Mtila Dikolomela 072 124 3704.