2017
R1-20/FREE
2 June
Disgruntled community
resorts to vigilantism Mzamane Ringane Members of the community at Modimolle resorted to vigilantism when they allegedly caught a burglary suspect red-handed, helping himself to the goods at one of the shacks at the informal settlements of Extension 9. According to information gathered by The BEAT, an unknown suspect or suspects went on a spate of burglaries between Friday and Saturday with several community members falling victim to burglaries in the neighbourhood. It is alleged that on Saturday night a suspect was caught red-handed while trying to help himself to the goods at one shack
that he had successfully broken into. Members of the community then reacted out of anger and assaulted the suspect before the police were called to the scene. Ward 13 councillor Mmanoko Lebese said she arrived at the scene and managed to restore calm, urging members of the community to do the right thing by handing over the suspect to the authorities. The police and the emergency personnel arrived at the scene where the suspect was given medical treatment before being taken away. The community was infuriated when they saw the suspect roaming the streets on Sunday morning.
It is reported that some members of the community opened the shack belonging to the suspect and discovered items that were stolen from community members who had previously fallen victim to burglaries in the area. Residents who chose not to reveal their identity due to fear of victimization made startling allegations on Sunday morning where the community gathered. Local resident Hellen Molekoa said she was dissatisfied with how the police are handling the issue of crime in the area. She said her house was broken into last year and a plasma TV was taken among other items. Molekoa complained that the police have not yet took any action although
A Bela-Bela municipal employee was involved in an accident on Tuesday, 30 May, at around 15:00. Apparently, the municipal vehicle was on the wrong side of the road, having swerved to avoid a headon collision with another vehicle. As a result, the car was sideswiped by a truck. Nobody was injured in the accident, and traffic officials and the police were on the scene swiftly to attend to the accident. Photos by TK Mashaba.
she had informed them about the suspected whereabouts of her stolen goods. One of the victims, Tintswalo Baloyi, said they have lost all of their groceries, clothes and blankets as a result of break-ins which took place this past weekend. Warrant officer James Findlay confirmed that a case of burglary was opened on Sunday by another complainant who alleges that he caught the suspect in question trying to gain access into his shack, after using a crowbar to break the lockpad. The suspect reportedly fled when the owner of the house approached him. According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was detained on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday, 29 May.
The Bela-Bela municipal vehicle which was dragged a short distance by a truck at the crossing between the R01 and Potgieter Street.