- The quick response to a complaint received by a member attached to Makhanda SAPS resulted in the recovery of all the stolen property and the arrest of two male suspects shortly after receiving a complaint of house robbery that happened on Saturday 1 February 2025 at about 12:30 at a farm in the Salem area under Makana Municipality. A vigorous manhunt launched by Makhanda Detectives resulted in the arrest of another 35-year-old male suspect on Sunday, 2 February 2025 at about 11:00.
Allegedly a 74-year-old woman and her 76-year-old male friend were inside her house on her farm when she was called by one of the farm-workers, reporting to her that there was a snake at the chicken coop. The 74-year-old woman went with the 24-year-old male farm worker to the chicken coop where the 24-year-old worker suddenly grabbed her, pushed her to the ground and tied her hands with a rope.
It is further alleged that two more male suspects appeared, and the three suspects took the 74-year-old female complainant back into the house where her 76-year-old male friend was waiting. The three suspects also grabbed him and tied his hands with a rope before starting to demand money from the two victims. At the same time, a 57-year-old daughter of the 74-year-old complainant arrived at the house, coming from town, and was also overpowered by the suspects who tied her up with a rope.
The suspects took three laptops, one cellphone, one sewing-machine, one radio, clothes and an undisclosed amount of money before they fled the scene.
Members attached to Makhanda SAPS responded immediately to the complaint and on his way to the scene, he noticed three (3) suspects carrying bags while running out of the bushes towards a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Upon noticing the police officer, the three suspects ran back into the bushes. The police officer gave chase and managed to arrest two male suspects between the ages of 22 and 24 years and recovered all the stolen property. A manhunt was launched for the third suspect and on Sunday at about 11:00 Makhanda detectives arrested a 35-year-old man.
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The trio is due to appear before the Makhanda Magistrate Court on Monday, 03 February 2025, facing a charge of house robbery. The three victims had no serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Zolani Xawuka applauded the members involved for the quick and speedy response in ensuring the safety of our communities. This kind of reaction is what the community is hoping to receive, and we guarantee the society that we will maintain and assist our communities for a safer environment, Major General Zolani Xawuka concluded.
