PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Cooperation between authorities and residents led to the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in attacking and robbing a cyclist on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay over the weekend. Another suspect is still on the loose.
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said they received an alert on Saturday morning that a cyclist had been attacked on the Avontuur road near the N2 intersection.
According to available information, the cyclist was forced off his bicycle by two young assailants who threatened him with a knife. "They demanded money while forcing him to the ground," Olivier said. The two suspects then fled the scene with the victim's bicycle and his cellphone.
Local Isolomzi security officer Sam Nkosi assisted the cyclist after the attack and took him to the police station.
Olivier said the Plett Security Rapid Response unit, along with Kwanokuthula police officers, flooded the area where the stolen cellphone's last "ping" was received. "Responders were overwhelmed by Kwanokuthula residents' support and assistance. With information received from them, the bicycle and the suspect's location were found."
Olivier said after police confronted the suspect, the bicycle was found hidden away in a house behind a spaza shop.
The suspect tried to flee the scene and authorities gave chase, but the suspect managed to evade arrest by jumping over several fences and running through private property. "Kwanokuthula residents once again stepped forward and pinpointed the house where the suspect was hiding," said Olivier.
The stolen cellphone was found in Kwanokuthula, wrapped in foil packaging in an alleged attempt to block the cellphone signal.
Not only did police manage to arrest the suspect, but the stolen cellphone was later found hidden on another property. It was allegedly wrapped in foil in an attempt by the suspect to block the cellphone signal.
The suspect was taken to the Plettenberg Bay police station along with the recovered stolen goods. "The second suspect is still at large, but information received will be followed up."
Olivier praised Kwanokuthula police officers for the professional manner in which they dealt with the incident as well as the support from the local community who played an instrumental role in the arrest.
"We most certainly strongly believe Plett is still one of the safest holiday destinations and towns in South Africa. We also know with the support and assistance of the whole community of the greater Bitou area, we can minimise incidents like this from happening again by staying alert and crime-wise."
Police spokesperson Captain Marlene Pieterse confirmed the incident and said the victim was a 20-year-old man and that the incident happened just before 07:00. She added that the 21-year-old suspect, who was arrested, appeared in the local magistrate's court on 23 November. He was remanded in custody.
The stolen bicycle was found behind a spaza shop.
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