The Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) has praised the police for a great job after arresting six suspects who were trying to rob a vehicle in Sagolotha Street, Philippi on Thursday 12 October.
The car was in the area to deliver an online order.
The perpetrators, believed to be learners from the area, pretended to be customers.
Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe has urged Uber drivers, ambulances, City employees and others first to report to the police station when entering the area. They will then be escorted to their destination.
“We’ve been preaching to these essential workers to stop risking their lives,” he said. “And we will continue to warn them that some of the areas they go into are dangerous. We also appeal to community members to work with the police and report anything they suspect is unlawful.”
Qwebe highlighted car hijacking and crime as a norm in Philippi.
Provincial police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the incident. He said Nyanga Crime Prevention Unit had arrested six suspects aged 15 to 17 following an attempted robbery.
“The victim was delivering a system that was ordered on Facebook Marketplace in Sagolota Street, Brown’s Farm,” said Gwala, “where he was met by six males who stoned the vehicle in an attempt to rob him. Police officers witnessed the ordeal and arrested the suspects and confiscated their cellular telephones.”
He said the suspects had lured the victim to the location under false pretences.
“Fifteen more conversations, with different unsuspecting victims were found on their phones. Once charged, the suspects are expected to make their court appearances in Athlone,” said Gwala.
