The quick action by Plettenberg Bay police and other security stakeholders led to the arrest of a suspect after he allegedly robbed two tourists in the coastal holiday town over the festive season.
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) special projects head Marius Venter said the association and local police responded after receiving an alert just before 20:00 on 2 January about tourists having been robbed around Church Street.
He added that it was reported that a man, wearing a blue top, a yellow hat and black pants, had stolen two bags from the two women.
“A meticulous search was done of the area. The suspect was spotted in Odlands Drive. The suspect was chased down and apprehended in Marine Drive near the hospital at about 21:00. He was taken into custody by police,” Venter said.
One of the victims took to social media to thank those involved in assisting them.
Savanna Valjalo said she and her best friend Kelly Honiball were mugged while walking home. “I was attacked with a knife, but luckily not stabbed, for my bag and phone while Kelly also had her bag and phone taken by the suspect. We made it back to the beach where a group of kind people allowed us to use their phones to call my parents,” Valjalo said.
She added that she managed to get hold of the police who acted immediately. She said one officer in particular, Warrant Officer Tommy Taylor, restored her faith in humanity. Taylor celebrated 36 years on duty the next day.
“He came to take our statements, made plenty of calls to gather a search party and in the process we were able to gain access to track Kelly’s phone where the chase down began.
We were joined by Marius Venter from the PBCPA, his family, neighbours and others witnessing the commotion who came to help us. We managed to catch the suspect and put him behind bars while retrieving all of our stolen items.”
She said she was at a loss for words due to the “professionalism, dedication and care of all of those involved”. “Thank you a million times, over and over, to absolutely everyone. I am grateful beyond measure for you all.”
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