KNYSNA NEWS - The safety of pedestrians is not a problem exclusive to Knysna. However, too often, hardworking staff are robbed by unscrupulous thieves when crossing the old train bridge across the estuary.

One such employee, returning from Brenton on Lake to Knysna via the train bridge, fell victim to two such thieves on Tuesday 13 April. 

According to Allsound Security, the employee reported that he was approached by two men while crossing one of the bridges that make up the larger train bridge. They stopped him and asked if he wanted to buy the fish they had caught. When he declined, he was suddenly facing a knife and screwdriver pointed at him.

The two assailants then demanded his phone and wallet and also took the watch off his arm before fleeing along the bridge towards Knysna Central. Without his phone to call for assistance, the employee ran back to his employer, who immediately contacted the Allsound Security control room for assistance. 

The victim managed to provide a very detailed description of the suspects, which assisted tremendously in the apprehension by Allsound Security personnel as the suspects left the train tracks.

The train bridge on which the robbery occurred. 

All of the victim's belongings were recovered and he was further assisted by members of Knysna police in the opening of a robbery case. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, two suspects, Hildon Pieterse (29) and Ashley Sonwabo (28), appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 15 April following their arrest on charges of robbery at the train bridge on 13 April. 

"Investigation reveals that the 52-year-old victim was walking from work when the two men robbed him. They were later apprehended by local security personnel," Spies confirmed. "The suspects were remanded in custody. They are due before court again on Wednesday 21 April."

Allsound Security spokesperson Ashley Boetius said when victims are confronted by a traumatic experience, they sometimes struggle to recall details and descriptions of their attackers. "In this instance, the victim's recollection of information ultimately resulted in a successful arrest," he said.

After trains stopped running in the district, the train bridge that spans across the lagoon has been used mainly by pedestrians.
Photos: Blake Linder

On behalf of Allsound, Boetius listed a few things victims should look out for when confronted:

• Head gear, hair colour, glasses, facial hair, or potential scars;
• Types and colour of shirt or jacket, brand names, graphics on the clothing, any visible tattoos, any jewellery, gloves, or weapons;
• Types and colour of pants or their footwear.

Any and all of these items can help lead to a successful arrest after a robbery.

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