More than 500 cyclists from various clubs and organizations gathered at Woodbridge Island to cycle to the Civic Centre in an awareness ride highlighting safety concerns on the Cape Town, CBD to Milnerton route. Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Strategic police patrols in Woodstock resulted in another suspect apprehended in connection with the robbery of cyclists.
Woodstock Crime Prevention Unit members were on Sunday deployed in civilian dress to do foot patrols in an area identified by SAPS as a hotspot where often cyclists become victims of mugging in the vicinity of Lower Church Street bridge.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said at about 8:45am they noticed an unidentified man trying to rob a cyclist.
“The members gave chase and apprehended the 34 year old foreign national for attempted robbery,” Swartbooi said.
Once charged, the suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court.
Last week, one of the robbers terrorising cyclists who use the Woodstock bridge to get in and out of Cape Town met his match when his target happened to be a police officer.
SAPS spokesperson Andrè Traut said Lt Col Johan Pentz, who is an avid cyclist, conducted an operation with the Woodstock Crime Prevention Unit, and patrolled the notorious route along the Lower Church Street bridge on his bicycle.
Pentz did this to gain first-hand information about the robberies, while his backup team was in the vicinity.
“While crossing the Woodstock Bridge, Lt Col Pentz was attacked by a suspect who managed to grab his cellular telephone pouch, which was in his back pocket, and flee on foot. He was pursued by Lt Col Pentz and apprehended not far from the crime scene,” Traut said.
“The 34-year-old foreign national also had a tablet in his possession that he could not account for.”
The suspect was detained on charges of robbery and the possession of presumed stolen property.
“SAPS and other law enforcement agencies will continue with integrated operations in the area in a bid to neutralise the threat, and in the meantime, cyclists making use of this route are cautioned about the robberies and encouraged to ride in groups and be alert of their surroundings at all times,” Traut had said.
The arrest followed an integrated operation between SAPS and other law enforcement agencies at the end of January which led to 18 individuals being arrested.
Cyclists have been well-known to use this route during the summer months as they train for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place in March.
Cape Times
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