An 18-year-old suspect will soon appear at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery after he and two accomplices allegedly robbed an Uber driver, at gunpoint, of his vehicle on Saturday.
The communications officer of the Chatsworth SAPS, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said the incident occurred on 2 October in Welbedacht East where an Uber driver was allegedly accosted by the three suspects. She said the suspects assaulted the driver before fleeing with his Toyota Etios. “Police immediately notified other force multipliers who began searching for the vehicle. Metropolitan Police combed the area of Moorton, which is in close proximity to where the crime was committed. This engagement with the community assisted the police where they were informed of the whereabouts of the suspect. Police arrested one suspect, also recovering the Etios. With two suspects at large, investigators are working around the clock to apprehend the perpetrators,” said Capt Pillay.
The station commander of the Chatsworth SAPS, Brigadier Kevin James, commended the community for their vigilance. “As a collective, police and the community will win this fight against crime. It is critical this partnership exists between the police, the Community Police Forum, citizens, businesses and security structures to tackle crime. Police are appealing to motorists to be vigilant at all times adhering to the advice provided by police so they can take appropriate steps to avoid hot spot areas or take the necessary precautions,” he added. In an effort to fight back against crime and to stop residents falling prey to opportunistic criminals, Capt Pillay advised residents not to park in dark and isolated areas. She said criminals are opportunists who will pounce on unsuspecting citizens. “Ensure that you have proper lighting at your home. Inform family members of your arrival at your home. Conduct regular checks with companies that are monitoring your tracking devices. Keep your vehicle logbooks safe should details be required by police. If you have placed your vehicle for sale on social media websites, ensure that you verify information for authenticity before the sale. Meet the buyer at public places, do not allow the buyer an opportunity to drive the vehicle,” she added.
