A SUSPECT who has been positively linked to the murder of elderly Kamma Park resident, Ann Smit in May this year, as well as several cases of house-breaking in the Kabega Park, Walmer and Mount Road areas, is back in custody, after escaping from the Walmer Police Station during questioning.
According to police spokesperson, Col Priscilla Naidu a cluster detective trio task team worked around the clock to find the suspect after his escape from police custody on Friday, September 21.
He was one of two men who were taken in for questioning and profiling by Walmer police members after they were found in Adam Road in Charlo around noon on Friday.
According to Col Naidu, the men could not account for their presence in the area, which is regarded as a hotspot area for housebreakings.
“They were brought to the police station for further profiling. While the detective officer was busy verifying the fingerprints of one of the suspects, he jumped through the open window and ran away,” said Col Naidu.
Detective officers made a breakthrough on Wednesday and the suspect was arrested in the CBD in Aliwal North.
“The suspect has been positively linked to the murder and robbery of an elderly woman, Ann Smit which took place May 2018 in Kamma Park. The same suspect is also linked to seven cases of housebreakings allegedly committed in the Kabega Park, Walmer and Mount Road areas. He has been linked through forensic evidence,” said Col Naidu.
He is expected to appear in court soon on all the cases he is facing, including escaping from lawful custody.
Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile has applauded all those involved in tracking down and arresting the suspect. “It is important for police to work in close collaboration with their colleagues across the Provinces in order to root out many dangerous criminal elements who move from one place to another. I congratulate these teams for a job well done.
“We need to snuff criminals out of our communities. We are tasked by our constitution to serve and protect all people within our communities and this arrest must serve as a warning to all criminals that the SAPS will find you wherever you may run,” added Patekile.
