WhatsApp alert leads to arrest
An alert on a local community social media group led to the arrest of a suspect shortly after he and accomplices allegedly robbed a domestic worker in Kenilworth (on Thursday 16 January 2020 at around 07h20).
“One of our armed response officers monitored a message on the suburb’s WhatsApp community page, describing how the domestic worker had allegedly been robbed by three men in front of her employer’s property on Cumnor Avenue,” explains Mr Jade Hanning, Cape Town South district manager at Fidelity ADT.
When he arrived at the address, he met the robbery victim and her employer. They were able to share CCTV video footage with the officer, which gave him a clear description of the three alleged assailants.
“Our officer started to patrol the area to see if he can apprehend the group. He soon encountered a person walking along Thomas Road which matched the video material he saw earlier,” says Mr Hanning.
The suspect was stopped and apprehended, with the assistance of the Fidelity ADT Special Response Unit which is deployed in the area. The robbery victim positively identified the suspect, after which he was handed over into police custody.
“We were able to score this win against crime thanks to an effective use of a local community social media group, and the quick thinking action of our officers. Well done to everyone involved. We will again this year be hosting personal safety workshops for domestic workers and other staff members, to help everyone who lives and works in the southern suburbs to be safe,” says Mr Hanning.