The diligent work of two Strandfontein Police Station detectives has seen justice served in two separate robbery cases.
At the beginning of last year, a call to report a robbery in progress saw officers spring into action.
Chasing an armed suspect into the bushes along Spine Road, the aerial unit helicopter and flying squad, coupled with the work of local officers in cordoning off the entire area resulted in an arrest, says police station commander, Capt Ruwayne Muller.
“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 Strandfotnein. We even got the aerial unit and flying squad to assist us, which was great that we could access those resources within minutes,” he says.
The suspect, who had been caught and arrested was then positively linked to two house robbery cases that had taken place in the Bayview and San Remo areas.
Detective Sgt Billy Burrows was assigned to the Bayview house robbery.
Detective Sgt Niezaam Abrahams who was assigned to the San Remo case says a spate of robberies had led them to believe the suspect was armed with a firearm.
“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,” he says.
The suspect was unknown until linked to both cases via an ID parade, where he was positively identified by victims in both cases.
It was later discovered that this was an imitation firearm.
He entered the homes of residents while they were home and robbed them of small valuables such as cellphones and laptops.
“We ensured that court proceedings ran smoothly and that we completed all investigation and docket preparation including forensics timeously,” he says.
The investigation was not without its challenges, says Muller.
“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,” says Muller.
Both detectives have close to 20 years of service.
After this arrest, house robberies in the area had decreased.
This conviction is cause for celebration, says Sandy Schuter Flowers, Community Policing Forum chair.
“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,” she says.
Two counts of robbery were tried, with 10 years each, to run concurrently.
“We want to thank every single officer at the station. If it is not for officers taking proper statements, it will be more difficult for the officers to investigate matters. There is top quality investigation and hard work done behind the scenes, working late nights,” says Schuter.
Muller says despite the lack of manpower and resources at the station, they strive to deliver excellent service to the community.
“Community trust is something you can’t just earn. It is something you have to work on. You need to work with the community and I hope that this is just a drop in the ocean to show how we want to work with the community and the lengths we will go to, to gain the community’s trust,” he says.
“Although we have many structures that are working with us, we want the community to feel they can trust the police and report matters so we can investigate. I am not saying we are perfect, but we will go the extra mile to try and give excellent service. We do not have 100 percent man power and resources but it is not an excuse for us. Our commitment is our driving force and we are here to serve the community.”
Schuter says the station has worked hard to gain the confidence of residents.
“Police are taking the lead, with Capt Muller as a strong leader who has really been striving hard to turn the tide, but we cannot do it alone. We need the community’s assistance,” says Schuter.
“We want the community to report crime when they see it and provide first-hand information. We find a lot of second-hand information, with people reporting on social media groups. Call 10111, especially during load shedding hours. Inform police first, not WhatsApp so that they can get the right information and statements.”
