A 32-year-old man was apprehended today (Friday) after he broke into a property at a communal house in Hilltop, KwaZulu-Natal.
Residents contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre at approximately 11:44 and reported suspicious noises emanating from a room whose occupant was not present at the time.
Reaction Officers responded swiftly to the call. Upon arrival, Officers observed the suspect peering over a wall that separates the rooms before retreating inside. The communal housing structure lacks ceilings, allowing access between adjoining rooms.
Reaction Officers established communication with the thief through a window. The man voluntarily surrendered after jumping over an internal wall and was apprehended without incident.
During questioning, the suspect claimed he was attempting to recover a R300 debt allegedly owed by the absent room owner. His intent was to retrieve items of equivalent value due to unsuccessful attempts to collect the debt.
Further details emerged regarding the suspect’s prior debt-related disputes. He recounted an incident from two weeks earlier at a local tavern, where he was promised R200 for helping an acquaintance find a local Sex Worker. He received only R50 with a promise of the remaining payment later. A similar arrangement the following week resulted in no payment.
Frustrated by these unresolved debts, the suspect resorted to the unlawful entry, ultimately leading to his apprehension. The occupant of the room could not be located to verify the allegations. The burglar is a Heroin addict and stated that his intent to commit the burglary stemmed from withdrawal symptoms he was experiencing.
The suspect sustained an injury to his right arm after he fell over the wall and landed in the room.
