A burglar’s birthday spree was cut short on Friday March 9, when he was caught in the act by Metro police officers.
At around midday, officers were on patrol in Rondebosch East when they were approached by a member of the public who informed them that the house he is renting had been broken into. The complainant also indicated that the burglar was still in the house.
Officers followed up and did a sweep of the premises. They found the suspect in one of the rooms, still busy collecting his bounty.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested and detained at Athlone SAPS. Officers discovered that it was his birthday while registering the case docket.
Manenberg police deployed in the precinct to combat gang violence and do crime prevention, arrested two men and confiscated two illegal firearms in separate incidents over the weekend.
In the first incident, during a stop-and-search operation in Tambo Village, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Amanda Street.
The second man, also aged 22, was arrested in Manenberg Avenue, and was in possession of a 7.65 pistol with one live round of ammunition.
Manenberg SAPS station commander, Brigadier Enolium Joseph, said he will not allow criminals to take the community hostage by firing random shots, as if Manenberg is a firing range.
Manenberg SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, said: “Brigadier Joseph is aware of the sporadic shootings that has taken place and he has tasked members to respond pro-actively, to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.”
Both suspects will be appearing in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court soon.
Anyone with information regarding any illegal gang activity can contact Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
