Off Duty SAPS Couple Arrest Robber in Bank

A police officer is never off-duty. So, wherever a police officer might be, he is morally duty bound to take action in order to protect life and property.

On Friday 2 February 2018 two off-duty police officers (a husband and wife pair – Warrant Officer Fafa and Lucille Terblanche of the Mount Road COCC) arrested two suspects inside a banking institution in Newton Park. Fafa and Terblanche were in the bank when they noticed a suspicious looking man walking into the manager’s office. The officers put their personal business aside and kept observation on the man. As he exited the office, the officers confronted him. Just then the manager ran out shouting that his cell phone was missing. Upon searching the man, the duo found the cell phone in his possession. The suspect and his accomplice , aged 39 and 40 years old were arrested and detained on charges of theft, bribery and assault on police.

The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Major General Tembisile Patekile commended the members for a job well done and for ‘their efforts and endeavours in arresting these criminals who were so brazen to walk into a busy institution unnoticed. Their instincts and actions is an example of professionalism in the SAPS.’

Institutions and businesses are advised to monitor people that are idling about without seeking assistance. Valuables must never be left on the table or in plain sight . If possible, always lock the door when exiting the office. Criminals are very quick in stealing and had it not been for the officers sharp instincts, the suspects would have slipped away, unnoticed.