Police officers from Johannesburg Central Police Station were quick to apprehend a male suspect following an alleged common robbery incident in the inner city recently.
The suspect is said to have employed the popular ‘belt-grab’ – a common robbery tactic used on busy thoroughfares in the Joburg CBD – which involves deliberately bumping into an unsuspecting victim before launching a hostile assault by grabbing them by the belt.
The assailant is said to then allegedly violently shake the victim which, in turn, disorientates them. During this excessive shaking, the assailant then steals valuables such as wallets and cellphones from the victim’s pockets.
“It is alleged that a 50-year-old suspect robbed a 28-year-old man on the corner of Lilian Ngoyi and Wanderers streets on 10 May,” said Joburg Central spokesperson, Captain Xoli Mbele.
“The victim had been walking when the suspect bumped into him, grabbed him by the belt and shook him violently resulting in two cellphones being taken from the victim. However, while police were conducting their routine crime prevention operation along Lilian Ngoyi Street on 13 May, the suspect was spotted and police gave chase.
“The suspect was apprehended and the victim’s two cellphones recovered. A police investigation is underway, while the suspect is remanded in custody pending his appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon.”
Details: 10111.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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