The suspect grabbed his victim from behind in Third Street and strangled him with both hands.
Springs police spokesman Capt Johannes Ramphora says the suspect released one of his hands and removed the victim’s cellphone from his pocket.
The suspect allegedly ran to a nearby tavern.
The victim stopped a patrolling SAPS and informed them of the robbery.
Ramphora says policemen searched for the man in the tavern, but couldn’t find him.
Later during the day, the victim saw the suspect walking along Third Street and called police.
The man was arrested for common robbery and taken to the Springs police cells.
He will appear in court soon.
