A man linked to a spate of armed robberies in Strandfontein has been sentenced to 10 years in prison – the longest sentence received for this type of offence in the area.
Also read: Robber sentenced to 15 years, 3 days before his 30th birthday
Strandfontein Police Station Commander Captain Ruwayne Muller says the man was caught after officers responded to a robbery in progress last year. An aerial unit helicopter, the flying squad, and local police officers pursued him along Spine Road while cordoning off the entire area.
‘Over a year ago, we received a complaint of a house robbery in progress. We reacted, and I myself joined the officers when the suspect was caught in action. He ran away and we called for backup and executed the cordoning off of the whole Strandfontein. We even got the aerial unit and flying squad to assist us, which was great that we could access those resources within minutes.’
The suspect was positively linked to two house robberies in the Bayview and San Remo areas.
‘He was arrested for the possession of a firearm after he was chased and ditched the firearm. Because of the robberies happening in the area, we knew the suspect we were looking for was committing crimes with a firearm,’ says Detective Sergeantt Niezaam Abrahams, who was assigned to the San Remo case.
He was later identified by victims via an ID parade.
Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible car deals, all priced under 100k. Find car listings here.
According to News24, the suspect’s modus operandi consisted of entering the homes of residents while they were home and robbing them of small valuables such as cellphones and laptops. He used an imitation firearm.
Muller says the investigation was not without its challenges.
‘We ensured that court proceedings ran smoothly and that we completed all investigation and docket preparation including forensics timeously. Because of skills and commitment to the case which was quite significant because there were quite a few stumbling blocks and challenges during the investigation. Even having to oppose bail, we needed to get the community involved. We couldn’t have bail because there were threats to the victims. It was quite a difficult task, but at the end of the day all glory goes to the detectives and the amazing work they have put in.’
The man was charged with two counts of robbery, receiving 10 years for each, to run concurrently. ‘We have never had a 10-year conviction for house robbery and possession of a firearm. This is the first since I have been here where we have secured a 10-year conviction for house robbery,’ says Sandy Schuter Flowers, community policing forum chair.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Fly through the trees with this canopy tour for one person in Magaliesberg for R599. Get the deal here.
Also read:
Cape Town man injured in violent hijacking and house robbery incident
Picture: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels