Durban – The traumatic robbery of a young student spurred a Durban woman to come to her aid, helping to put the suspects behind bars.
After being mugged on Elgie Road in Umbilo, on Wednesday, 21-year-old UKZN psychology student Celiwe Zulu screamed for help.
By the time it arrived, her assailants had fled. Local resident Nikki Moore however, did not give up on nabbing the the culprits.
Moore said she heard Zulu's screams and saw two young men walking up the road which is near a campus residence.
"There are many students on this road and they are always shouting or playing around loudly. It is hard to tell if it is a real issue at times."
However, when Moore came upon the traumatised student it was clear this was no false alarm.
"I saw this young girl on her hands and knees. She ran up to the home two doors away from mine. But nobody was there. I told a friend that I was with that the situation looked bad."
Moore bundled Zulu into her car along with her friend and the trio went in search of the muggers.
"My daughter was mugged three weeks earlier and I understand the helplessness somebody feels after a mugging. I was hoping to find these guys. I just knew action was required."
However, when Zulu told Moore her assailants may be armed, they decided it would be safer to seek police assistance.
"My friend contacted the police on 10111 and we alerted the nearest police officers," said Moore.
Put up a fight
Speaking to News24, Zulu said she put up a fight with the suspects.
"They came up to me, and greeted me. They asked me where I was going. Finally, they said they wanted my phone. One of them pushed me onto a wall and showed me a gun.
"He tried to pull my bag and there was a scuffle before I began screaming. They pushed me to the ground and took my purse."
Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said two suspects were arrested shortly after the incident. Zulu said she had identified the suspects after the arrest.
"The suspects robbed her of her wallet at gunpoint before fleeing the scene on foot. The suspects, aged 20 and 21, were later arrested and detained at Umbilo SAPS. They will appear in court soon for robbery," Zwane said.
Zulu said she was relieved her attackers were caught and was happy there were still people like Moore around.
"People told me the police service would not be good. But they caught these guys within an hour. They managed to get all my stuff back as well. I am also so glad Nikki was there.
"It helped a lot to know someone was there with me. I am happy someone took action."