A gutsy move by Grobler Park resident Qetelo Masitha and his neighbour led to the arrest of three young criminals.
On Wednesday afternoon the three suspects, aged between 20 and 26, entered Mashita’s property. Due to the fact that a heavy thunder storm was raging his garage door malfunctioned and unbeknownst to him was left slightly ajar. The three male suspects proceeded to steal a electric gate motor, its brackets and the motor’s battery which was stored in the garage.
When Mashita realised what happened he and his neighbour took a vehicle and started looking for the culprits. They found two of the suspects at the corner of Dirkie Uys Street and Robertson Street with the stolen goods in their possession and effected a citizen’s arrest. They called the Western Suburbs Roodepoort Neighbourhood Watch (WSRNW) for back up who managed to arrest the third member of the gang.
Can a member of the public make a citizen’s arrest though or is this a myth created by Hollywood?
According to Colonel André Laing of Roodepoort police a citizen can indeed perform such an arrest. He uses the example of breaking up a fight where one of the participants stabbed the other.
“If you can bring the perpetrator under control and not endanger yourself or others then you are allowed to restrain and detain him. You have to immediately call the police who in turn will take the suspect of your hands. You will be expected to make a statement,” said Laing.
There are no formalities that have to be performed such as reading the suspect his rights.
