A male suspect is set to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court this week after allegedly attempting to solicit sex from two minors last week.
Members of the Monte Vista/Plattekloof Glen Neighbourhood Watch assisted in apprehending the suspect. Deon Oosthuizen, vice-chair, said tracking the suspect down was a joint operation involving his neighbourhood watch, the Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch and Bothasig Community Policing Forum (CPF).
“Information was received on our monitoring groups about an incident in Edgemead, that a male tried scaling a wall and asked a male teenager for sexual favours. Assistance was asked on the groups and the unknown male was chased as he was travelling in the direction of Monte Vista, in De Almeida Way, which links Edgemead with Monte Vista.
“One of our reaction-unit members, Darren Black, managed to track the unknown male down and spotted him interacting with another male teenager.
“Our member intervened and was told by the frightened and confused teenager that the unknown male indecently assaulted him.”
The suspect walked into Monte Vista and down Montague Road, he said. This information was relayed on its reaction group, after which a Fidelity ADT armed-response officer, Gideon Lategan, responded and confronted the suspect in Montague Road. Oosthuizen said Bothasig police also arrived at the scene.
Several items were found in his possession, including a wallet with a driver’s licence, identity document and burglary equipment.
“The Bothasig police took the suspect into custody for further investigation,” said Oosthuizen.
Lt Col Jeremy Pieterse, station commander, confirmed this. “We can confirm the suspect was arrested and is in custody, and that this matter is being investigated.”
