Partially blind man and grandson robbed in Northdale

The quick response from community policing forum members led to the arrest of a man who robbed a partially blind elderly man and his 12-year-old grandson at knifepoint on Friday.

The 76-year-old man was walking around his neighborhood with his grandson when they were approached by the thief on Star Terrace in Bakerville, Northdale, at around 5pm.

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It is alleged the robber pushed the elderly man to the ground and held the child at knifepoint before making off with a mobile phone.

The Community Policing Forum (CPF), PMB Citizens on Patrol and Bakerville Crime Alert responded to an alert about the incident and began searching for the man.

Mountain Rise CPF vice-president Sanjeev Singh said they found the robber on Dr. within an hour of the incident. Chota Motala Road, near the site of land invasions.

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“The suspect was returned to the scene of the accident and has been positively identified. SAPS was called and the man was handed over to the police by the CPF.

Since the beginning of the land invasion, crime has increased in this area. Petty crime has escalated over the past year (and is now becoming more serious),” Singh said.

He said he was grateful no one was seriously injured; However, he said crime is a concern as many residents, especially the elderly, like to go for regular walks.

“Residents can no longer do that. It has become a problem (to some extent) that you have to live as if you are in a prison. You have to secure your home. All of Northdale is afraid to visit relatives who live next door. It’s dangerous.

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As CPF we create awareness in various neighborhoods to make people more aware of their environment. We need victims to report crimes to SAPS so they can identify problem areas in Northdale. If that can happen, we can tackle crime, even if it will be a long road,” he said.

Mountain Rise SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Pancheal Singh said the suspect was charged with theft and assault. He added that the stolen phone had been recovered.