Police in Tshwane are waging war against home and business burglars in an area identified as a hotspot

Police have noticed a pattern of targeted burglaries in the suburb of Centurion.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a house robbery in Centurion during which they tied up an elderly person and her valuables.

Tshwane District Police spokesman Captain Johan van Dyk said a quick response by private security staff and members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) led to the arrest of two people on Tuesday morning.

“At approximately 12:30 a.m., a report was received of a suspicious suspect attempting to steal a vehicle on Union Avenue.

“Responding security officers identified the bakkie driving without headlights and initiated a pursuit which culminated in the vehicle being stopped on Botha Avenue.

“Security officers were immediately joined by members of the South African Police Service, Community Policing Forum (CPF) and other local security companies,” he said.

The third suspect escaped

Van Dyk said two suspects were detained and a third fled into nearby bushes.

“Officers discovered a firearm in the driver’s possession and further investigation revealed the bakkie had been stolen during a home invasion earlier that evening.

“During the robbery, the four suspects allegedly tied up an elderly man, held him at gunpoint, and stole a television and other valuables,” he said.

Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Moses Dladla praised the excellent cooperation between the police, private security partners and CPF members, stressing the importance of such partnerships in fighting crime.

Targeted intrusions

Last week, police in Tshwane managed to arrest a suspect linked to a series of business and residential burglaries.

Van Dyk said a multi-disciplinary operation was launched early this morning after police identified a pattern of targeted burglaries in a residential area of Lyttleton, with businesses and homes being targeted in the early morning hours.

“In response, an intelligence-led operation was carried out led by Lyttleton Police in conjunction with local security companies.

“Through a thorough investigation, a suspect was identified and an informal settlement known as Bushbuck Ridge located near the Sports Park Railway Station.

“During the operation, it was discovered that the suspect was in possession of an unlicensed firearm, and a BMW motorcycle had been reported stolen the previous morning,” he said.

Linked to other crimes

Van Dyk said a preliminary investigation showed the suspect had been linked to at least five burglaries in recent weeks.

“The recovered firearms will be subjected to forensic analysis to determine whether the weapons were used in other criminal activities,” he added.

Station Commander, Brigadier Michelle Toohey, said the arrest highlighted their commitment to keeping the Lyttleton community safe.

“Across Lyttleton Police, we are staunch crime fighters determined to do everything we can to keep our streets safe,” she said.

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