Homeowner tracks down and apprehends suspect after robbery

A homeowner tracked down and apprehended a suspect on Tuesday, 3 January 2023, after his home was robbed in Osindisweni, KwaZulu-Natal.

Homeowner tracks down suspect after robbery

At around 18:09 the homeowner apprehended the suspect and went to a member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on Todd Street in the Verulam CBD to ask for assistance.

Reaction Officers were notified by the complainant that his residence had been broken into on Thursday, 29 December 2022.

He received information regarding the identity of the thief when he tracked and apprehended him.

The suspect, 29, admitted to robbing the victim’s home of a TV and several smartphones.

Safety precautions for your home to avoid robbery

The South African Police Service (SAPS) gives the following tips to secure your home.

• Make sure all doors are locked at all times, and close the windows when you leave the house to avoid robbery.
• Large dogs are a good deterrent. It’s important to train at least one dog to spend the night inside.
• When leaving your home, let your family and neighbors know where you’re going, when you anticipate getting back, and the route you’ll be taking, especially if you live in a remote region.
• Axes, spades, picks, ladders, and other items that could be used in an attack should be kept away while not in use.
• Adjust your everyday schedule.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, eg your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
• Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, ie: bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better to reduce risk of robbery.

Involve employees in maintaining security

• Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.
• Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees.
• It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees – Identity Documents (ID’s).
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.

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