A 27-year-old-man was arrested on charges of possession of stolen state property and an imitation firearm, on Sunday 14 August at Cyril Ramaphosa informal settlement in Browns Farm while police officers were conducting a foot patrol in the area.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional communications officer Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that Zukile Sawule appeared at the Philippi Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 August.
“He was charged with possession of a stolen item after he was arrested wearing a police issue bullet proof vest. His case was postponed until Wednesday 24 August for bail application,” said Ntabazalila.
Nyanga Community Policing Forum secretary Dumisani Qwebe said it is alleged that the suspect used to stand opposite the electricity station near Govan Mbeki road and hijack cars.
“The suspect was seen by the police officers, who were wearing civilian clothes, standing at Govan Mbeki road. They followed him to Ramaphosa informal settlement. He was arrested in his shack,” said Qwebe.
He added that car hijackings are prevalent near Govan Mbeki Road, New Eisleben Road, Klipfontein Road, Sithandathu Avnue, Sheffield Road, Ngulube Road and Woodbay.
Qwebe urged the residents to be the eyes and ears of the police.
He stated that police alone cannot fight crime. “The community needs to be vigilant and ensure that they take back their communities from the criminals. The communities must revive their stakeholders and work together with the police,” he appealed.