A security officer from PT Alarms and a complainant have been arrested for kidnapping and assaulting a 29-year-old man in Montford.
It is alleged that the complainant contacted the security company to report an alleged house break-in suspect in Montford. Communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said: “On 11 November, investigating officers from the Chatsworth Police arrested a security officer from PT Alarms and a complainant for an alleged kidnapping.
“It is alleged that the complainant contacted the security company, informing them of an alleged housebreaking suspect who was walking along a street in Montford. The complainant and the security guard then placed the alleged suspect in the security vehicle, where an assault occurred.
“The victim later visited the local hospital, where he received medical treatment. On 12 November, the accused, Kegan Naidoo (33) and Thayalan Govender (29), appeared at Chatsworth Magistrates’ Court on charges of kidnapping and assault GBH. Both accused were granted bail and will reappear at the Chatsworth Magistrates’ Court on 5 February 2025.”
The Station Commander of SAPS Chatsworth, Brigadier Ruth de Villiers, previously issued a caution via the media to first responders from security companies attending crime scenes, urging them to work within the bounds of the law.
“The Eyes and Ears (E2) project is a collaborative effort between the South African Police Service and private security companies to develop crime-fighting strategies. Security companies are ideally located to respond to crime scenes in real time, as they are in constant communication with their control centres.
“First responders should therefore activate SAPS for a swift response, as the police are appropriately equipped to handle criminal incidents. Complainants who open cases should contact the SAPS to affect an arrest if necessary, as this responsibility rests with the SAPS and not security companies. The police will ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and placed before the criminal justice system.”
Naidoo’s attorney, Priyanka Naicker from P Naicker Attorneys, said: “Our client intends to plead not guilty. He denies the allegations against him. He further wishes to place on record that the complainant in this matter was previously arrested for an alleged theft offence. In relation to the complainant’s arrest, our client was a witness regarding the said offence. Our client submits that the charge against him has been brought by the complainant in an attempt to extort a large sum of money in exchange for the withdrawal of the charges. Our client has no comment on the merits of the case at this stage and wishes to exercise his right to remain silent until the matter has been dealt with by the court of law.”
