POTCHEFSTROOM – A middle aged male suspect is expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court soon for house robbery.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 17 September 2020, following house robbery committed in Kanana. It is alleged that a 33-year-old man was asleep when his wife woke him up and alerted him about the footsteps in their house. The man went to investigate and saw two suspects taking their plasma television. The man retrieved his firearm from his safe and confronted the duo, who fled from the scene. As a result, the victim chased the suspects and in the process fired shots, hitting one of the suspects in the leg. Police and emergency services were called to the scene.
In another unrelated incident in Ranstad Village, Taung, at about 02:15 on Monday, 7 September 2020, a 26-year-old complainant, woke up and realised that there were five suspects in her room. The suspects allegedly assaulted her with a hammer. Her mother who heard her screaming, came to assist her, but was also assaulted. It is alleged the suspects threatened and demanded money the victim’s grandmother, aged 65, who also came to assist. The suspects robbed the family of their cellular phones, bank cards and cash before fleeing from the scene.
Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the province and police would like to urge the community to work together with the police as well as to take heed and apply the following safety tips:
-Ensure that doors and windows are properly locked and closed at all times.
-Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember, outside lights that are on during the day draw the attention of thieves.
-Ensure that your yard is neat and clean. Trees and bushy shrubs should be pruned and not planted close to a house as this can hide a criminal.
-If possible, ensure that you have proper safety / security features at your house like burglar proof in front of windows and security doors and gates as well as emergency alarms / panic buttons.
You can also use a whistle to alert neighbours in cases of emergency.
-Always check the identity of strangers who visit for business purposes to do deliveries or repairs, before unlocking the door.
-Know your neighbour as they are close and can be of great help during any emergency.
-Remain calm during a robbery and give your full cooperation. Your life is worth more than any property.
Anyone with information that may assist the police in the fight against house robberies are requested to contact their nearest police stations or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be submitted on the MySAPS.

Source: South African Police Service