Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

In the early hours of yesterday morning a 33-year-old woman was walking along Engongameni Road in Umlazi when she was confronted by two suspects at gun point. One of the suspects pointed her with a firearm while the other demanded her cellphone. After robbing her of a cellphone the suspects fled the scene on foot. The victim immediately reported the robbery to people at a nearby shop and immediately members of community gathered together to search for the suspects.

Working together they managed to apprehend both men. The stolen cellphone as well as the firearm use to commit the crime was found in their possession. The community then called police at Bhekithemba and handed the suspects as well as exhibits over to police. They were charged for armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm by Bhekithemba police. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to determine if it was used in the commission of any crime in the country. Both suspects age 15 and 18 are due to appear in the Umlazi Magistrates Court later today.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni praised members of the Bhekithemba community for the exemplary manner in which they conducted themselves whilst working with police to fight crime. “it is refreshing to see members of the community displaying respect for the law and our constitution and not allowing themselves to be ruled by their emotions. It is very sad for us as SAPS to arrest members of the community who resort to vigilantism and mob justice,” she said. 

Media enquiries: Colonel Jay Naicker  082 556 7865 kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za