PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A burglary suspect fired shots near a Plettenberg Bay school last week in an attempt to evade arrest, but thanks to quick action by local crime fighters, the man was apprehended.
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said they received an alert about a burglary on a farm in the Matjiesfontein area last Thursday.
"Security partners responded in full force. The suspect fled the scene with a firearm," Olivier said. The PBCPA's drone was launched and various security role players "infiltrated" the bushy area surrounding the farm in search of the suspect.
"They also followed all possible escape footpaths, but to no avail. We then notified farmers in the area to be on full alert and to keep a look-out for the suspect."
The following morning, a PBCPA Rapid Response member taking his wife to work, spotted the suspect near a school in the Poortjies area. The man fired shots in attempt to evade arrest and manage to flee into the bush near Poortjies.
Police, municipal law enforcement, Rapid Response members, Smhart Security, Fidelity ADT, Plett Security, and responders from Crags to Harkerville cordoned off the area, preventing the suspect from escaping.
"The excellent cohesion among security partners led to the arrest of the suspect by local police officers," Olivier said. "We are very fortunate in Plett, having amazing security and emergency responders and volunteers – making Plett one of the safest holiday destinations and towns in the Western Cape. [Friday's] shooting incident was an absolute rarity in Plett."
Olivier added that while the Poortjies incident was ongoing, crime fighters also assisted in an attempted suicide and a vehicle accident.
"As always, the wonderful first responders were quick on the scene. Their swift action and assistance were just excellent. Plett is definitely unique when it comes to our volunteers and responders. The collaboration between security and emergency services is excellent."
Plettenberg Bay police confirmed the incident and the suspect will appear in the local magistrate's court on several charges including burglary.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
