A 31 year old man was severely assaulted by the community after he was found in possession of items stolen from a crèche and a rented room in Waterloo – KZN.
The suspect was employed yesterday (Friday) to assist with cutting the grass on the premises and was paid R150 for his services. A resident discovered that the crèche and a rented room situated on the same property were broken into after the man left.
Two (2) Omega speakers, earphones, meat, sausages, polony, blankets, a Samsung cellphone and R1000 in cash, ATM cards and an Identity card were some of the items stolen. Residents conducted their own investigation and located the suspect with some of the stolen property today (Saturday).
He managed to flee, but was lured to the Verulam CBD – KZN by an individual who made telephonic contact with him and requested assistance with cutting his grass.
The man was kidnapped at the meeting point and was handed over to the community who bound his hands & legs with rope. They thereafter beat him with their fists and sticks.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call at approximately 08:48. The caller informed the Controller On Duty that approximately 50 people were assaulting and threatening to set a man on fire.
Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched and on arrival, found the male surrounded by the angry mob. The injured man confirmed that he had committed the crime and had sold the cellphone to a trolley pusher in the Verulam CBD – KZN and utilised the cash. He did not stipulate what he had purchased or paid for with the cash. The balance of the stolen goods were recovered by the community.
The suspect was handed over to the Verulam SAPS for further investigation.
