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Thanks to a wonderful collaboration between Atlas Security, SAPS, K9 units, and Neighbourhood Watch groups, suspects involved in a home invasion in Mount Pleasant were successfully apprehended on April 17.
According to a statement released by Atlas Security, a resident's online marketplace listing turned perilous when suspects posing as buyers overpowered the resident at home in Mount Pleasant on the evening of April 17, and attempted to steal valuables including cellphones, a TV, and a firearm.
“Our rapid response team arrived just in time, causing the suspects to flee, initiating a high-stakes pursuit,” the statement said.
The statement further said that the suspects were perused through yards and over walls with Atlas Security armed response officers and the SAPS arresting two suspects and recovering both the stolen firearm and the suspect’s firearms.
During the encounter, one suspect was fatally wounded.
“This intense operation showcased cutting-edge technology, with analytic cameras and drones providing real-time tracking, ensuring no corner was left unchecked,” the statement said.
The statement further said that Atlas Security’s control room staff, the strategic heart of Atlas Security, coordinated flawlessly with their eight area vehicles, effectively locking down Walmer Heights, Lovemore Heights, Miramar, and Mount Pleasant.
“We commend our incredible team for their instrumental roles in this operation. Their fitness, capability, and adherence to procedures ensured a swift resolution and the safety of our community,” the statement said.
Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge said that the suspects posed as buyers of a second-hand solar power battery.
He said that when the homeowner, opened the gate for the “buyers”, he was gunpointed and ordered into the house after taking his house keys.
Beetge said that the suspects took the homeowner into one of the bedrooms, tied him up with his shoelaces, and ransacked the house.
He further said that one of the suspects then pressed the remote on the key chain which resulted in the activation of the panic alarm. The suspects then panicked and fled from the house.
“A security response vehicle, as well as several police vehicles, responded to the panic alarm. One suspect was apprehended by the security response members while police chased the other two suspects. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at one of the police members and was subsequently shot dead. In his possession a replica 9mm pistol was found as well as some of the stolen property taken in the robbery,” said Beetge.
“The third suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the yard of a nearby house in Athlone Street but was found and arrested by SAPS K9 unit members. In his possession, two firearms were found. One of the firearms was taken during the house robbery, and the other firearm’s serial number was removed.”
Beetge said that the firearms have been taken for further forensic and ballistic analysis.
“Cases of house robbery, pointing of firearm, and an inquest were opened for investigation. More charges could be added at a later stage,” said Beetge.
He further said that the deceased suspect has not been identified yet, while the two arrested suspects, aged 30 and 31 years old, remain in custody and will appear in court soon.
The marketplace-related robbery comes less than two weeks after two brothers were fatally shot after responding to an ad for a TV set on marketplace.
In a previous report by PE Express, police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that on April 6, at about 12:20, brothers Aaron (19) and Kyle Alberts (30) from St Albans responded to an ad for a TV set on a social media site (marketplace), only to be lured under false pretences, robbed, and tragically shot to death.
"We urge the public to exercise caution and diligence when using social media platforms to make purchases. Verify the credibility of sellers, conduct transactions in safe locations, and consider involving law enforcement if there are any suspicions," said Naidu.
