WHILE most of us are sound asleep at night, security guards and policemen are risking their lives to safeguard our suburbs.
A team from Gladiator Security and police have received much praise from the Umzumbe community for their excellent chase down and arrest of three alleged robbers last Friday night. The men are suspected of being involved in housebreakings in the area.
Three brothers, Mthembene (21), Sakhile (21) and Sphiwe Cele (28) were charged with possession of stolen property and appeared in court on Tuesday this week. They will remain in custody for further investigation. A fourth suspect was also arrested yesterday (Wednesday).
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid, said Constable Mark Banjo from the Port Shepstone K9 Unit received a request for assistance from a security company which had apprehended suspects in Umzumbe.
She said that one of the men had disappeared into the bushes. Cst Banjo and his dog, Caesar, arrived at the scene and shortly afterwards the man was caught.
A bolt cutter, torch and a golf club were found in the man’s possession.
Lt-Col Wiid explained that members from K9 unit then got information regarding a stolen laptop, which was also recovered.
In addition,dDetectives from Southport and the detective task team from Hibberdene recovered more bags of clothing that were also stolen property.
Grant Wood, vice-chairman of the Umzumbe Beach Ratepayers’ Association (UBRA), said the Gladiator team tackled and apprehended the gang on the railway line after they were picked up on camera by the control room in Hibberdene.
Mr Wood said the video footage showed the operation was carried out to perfection by the team.
“This gang has been plaguing Umzumbe for some time now… and the cameras and Gladiator saved the day,” he said.
So far, seven cameras have been installed in and around Umzumbe and two more are expected to be added. “Since the installation of these cameras, crime in Umzumbe has dropped by 90 percent,” he added.
Mr Wood thanked everyone who was involved, including the police.
