The prompt response through an intelligence-driven operation by members of the Garden Route Flying Squad ensured the arrest of two suspects in connection with the aggravated robbery of an elderly man (78) yesterday, Saturday 11 December 2021 at about 12:00 on George Rex Drive near the N2 in Knysna.
Initial reports reveal that the elderly victim was riding on his E-bike, a Pandemo 350 valued at approximately R30 000.00 along John Rex Drive when he was accosted by three unknown assailants of whom one armed with a knife threatened and stabbed him during which they robbed him of his E-Bike and fled the scene. Knysna police were immediately dispatched to assist and investigate. The elderly victim was transported to the hospital for medical treatment as he had sustained a stab wound to his upper body. (He is recovering well and is not in danger at this stage).
Through our Crime Intelligence Branch, vital information about the whereabouts of the E-Bike and possible suspects was obtained and shared with members of the Rural Flying Squad who earlier today (Sunday, 12 December 2021) at 12:00 pounced on a residence in the Kanonkop/Concordia neighborhood where they performed a search and retrieved the bike. Subsequently to the recovery of the E-Bike, the vigilant members arrested two suspects, men aged 53-and-35 in connection with the robbery aggravated.
The two are scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ court once they had been charged with robbery aggravated. More arrests are expected to be made as the investigation unfolds.
Acting Eden Cluster Commander, Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana has praised the excellent collaboration between Intelligence and the Rural Flying Squad to ensure that these culprits are brought to book and be held accountable by a court of law. The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile has condemned this act of violence aimed against our vulnerable senior citizen in the strongest possible terms and encouraged the investigation officer to go all out to arrest the outstanding suspect(s).