Swift Response Leads to Arrest at High School in Despatch
Crime
At 07:11am on 22 February, a third-party monitoring company the school’s CCTV system, contacted our Control Centre to report suspects on the school roof tampering with solar equipment. The Atlas Security area vehicle was dispatched to investigate.
Upon arrival, Bravo 114, along with backup units Bravo 11 and Bravo 105, spotted the suspects attempting to evade arrest. Atlas Armed Response Officers and SAPS officers secured the area.
The third-party monitoring company reported that the suspects had jumped into the school’s forecourt and appeared to enter the boys' restroom. The keyholder was contacted and arrived to unlock the forecourt. A search revealed that the suspects had accessed the roof through the restroom, as indicated by an open manhole and unusual dust on the floor.
Bravo 11 entered the ceiling but did not locate any suspects. It was then suspected that they had entered a classroom through another manhole.
A thorough search of all classrooms was conducted without success.
Bravo 114 and a SAPS officer conducted a second search of the roof, where they spotted the suspects and instructed them to surrender. The suspects refused and attempted to escape. Bravo 11, Bravo 105, SAPS, and the third-party monitoring company director observed them trying to break through the ceiling of Classroom 2. The classroom door was then forcefully opened, leading to their arrest.
Solar cabling, identified by the owner, was found in their possession. Both suspects were formally arrested, and a case of damage to property was registered. Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects had multiple outstanding criminal cases against him.
The coordinated response and thorough search efforts led to the successful apprehension of both suspects. SAPS has taken custody for further investigation and legal proceedings.
