A Mozambican national was arrested by members of Reaction Unit South Africa after he and two accomplices attempted to rob a flat in the Verulam CBD a short while ago (Wednesday).
At approximately 20:59 the RUSA Operations Centre received multiple calls from residents of a block of flats on Asmals Lane reporting an armed robbery in progress. Several callers reported hearing a woman screaming for help and stating that armed suspects were attempting to enter her residence.
Reaction Officers were dispatched to the five story building and upon arrival found several residents standing outside. They informed Officers that two suspects sped off in a Toyota Hilux bakkie prior to their arrival. Residents believed that one suspect was trapped inside the building.
Reaction Officers entered the premises and located the suspect hiding behind a concrete pillar. He was placed under arrest by RUSA Officers. The suspect is a Mozambican national who could not speak English.
The 32 year old victim explained that while standing in her passage she noticed three men forcing open a metal security gate leading to the ground floor of the building (picture 3). The Indian national ran towards her flat as the suspects approached her. One suspect was confirmed to be armed with a knife.
As the victim approached her door one of the suspects grabbed a bicycle (picture 4) and assaulted her with it. She managed to lock her security gate and began screaming for help which alerted other residents in the building. The victim sustained minor injuries from the assault and was treated on scene by Medics.
The suspect was handed over to Police for further investigation.
