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Video footage has surfaced of a group of men mugging a woman in the Tshwane CBD. Her terrified screams echo through the busy street. The ordeal is over in mere seconds.
Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe told News24 that the incident happened at the corner of Lillian Ngoyi and Francis Baard streets.
According to Selepe, the footage first surfaced on August 30, the same day the incident took place, and station management immediately activated members to observe and arrest the perpetrators.
Sergeant Phillip Sithole and his team noticed the suspects from the video the very same afternoon, in the same vicinity. Selepe said the men spotted the police and fled the scene.
"Police managed to arrest one 31-year-old suspect," Selepe said.
The suspect was searched and found to be in possession of an 'Okapi', and three ziplock bags containing white powder, suspected to be cocaine.
"The suspect appeared before the court on Friday morning, August 31. Prosecutors provisionally withdrew the case based on the forensic report."
Selape said the victim did not open a case with the police.
"It is really important for people who are victims of crime or witnesses to crime to come forward to help police build a case and bring the offender to justice.
"Without the help of witnesses to identify those who commit crimes, the police have no chance of catching the perpetrators."
Selepe urged the public to be cautious and observant at all times.
She asked anyone with information regarding the mugging to kindly contact Sergeant Phillip Sithole on 072 115 4970 or to visit their nearest police station.
