Dangerous suspect freed after saying he was ‘innocent bystander’
Seven people held up during armed robbery.
A daring daylight armed robbery that took place on 7 December last year gripped the imagination of the community and the arrests following the incident had them rejoicing – but now a shadow has been cast over the success.
The armed robbery took place at an estate agency, Harcourts Rhino, on Mimosa Street in Helderkruin. Financial Manager Marian Adam recapped the events of the day and explained why she is outraged.
“I feel absolute disgust and total frustration,” said Adam. “During this ‘raid’ three thugs held seven individuals in the building at gunpoint. They were robbed of cellphones, cash and jewellery. One staff member was also viciously assaulted. Their getaway was thwarted when one of the gangsters fell out of the car and was arrested by passing security members and estate agents working here. Subsequently a second gangster was lured to Princess Crossing in an attempt to retrieve one of the stolen cellphones. He was identified and arrested on the scene. A number of the stolen cellphones, money and some of the jewellery were found in his possession,” Adam told the Record.
She continued saying, “Written statements were taken from all seven victims, and the two criminals were arrested. To date no-one has heard anything further on this matter. After a follow-up with the police, we established that at least one has been freed, without being charged. Apparently when the bail application hearing came up, he professed to be an innocent passer-by, who happened to pick up a cellphone and was trying to return same to the owner. The investigating officer was not present at the hearing and the magistrate decided his story was credible and he was set free,” said an enraged Adam. “We have been unable to establish what has become of the second thug.
“If this is an example of our justice system, I’m speechless. Why spend hours recollecting this terrible incident with the police if no-one even bothered to look at the statements? Why were none of the victims contacted to testify? No wonder this country is totally lawless. I noticed this morning that CCTV cameras are being installed on our corner. What will that help if criminals are just set free anyway?” she concluded.
The Record attempted to get comment from Roodepoort Police in order to clarify the status of the case but could not reach its spokesperson.
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