Cape Town - Table View police have arrested a 26-year-old woman and a 34-year- old man who allegedly abducted an elderly couple near Big Bay over the weekend.
The couple were picking flowers in the area when they were approached by the suspects, who demanded their possessions, according to police.
Police spokesperson Adriana Chandler said the couple informed the suspects that they had a cell phone at home and would give it to them.
“The suspects instructed the couple to get into the vehicle and drove to the secured complex in Parklands, where the couple lived.
“Arriving at the gate, the security guard noticed the unknown male and female in the car with the elderly couple, and started a conversation, when the gentleman shouted that they were being kidnapped and the police must be contacted,” Chandler said.
The male suspect then reversed and sped away.
“The security guard immediately contacted Table View Police Station.
Upon arrival and questioning the guard, the officers made an announcement to all other stakeholders and police stations to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
“The victims were driven to Delft and various banks, which were all closed, and eventually taken to Parow for another attempt at banks inside a mall, which was also unsuccessful.
“It was in Parow that the police observed the vehicle in a parking area of a mall and arrested the suspects, a 26-year-old female and a 34-year-old male, and rescued the elderly couple, who were unharmed, but traumatised,” she said.
The suspects are believed to be from the Table View area.
Anti-crime activist Hanif Loonat said: “It's unfortunate that our elderly have to go through this type of trauma.
“It is important that our elderly and vulnerable do not venture into obscured and unsafe areas.
“I hope an example will be set on these opportunistic criminals.
Keep them in custody into the new year.
When the matter arises in court a long term sentence is applied. We are tired of the easy route out taken by the criminal justice system on these serious and common crime.”
Table View Community Police Forum (CPF) David Harris said crime has overall decreased in the community over the last ten years due to the community partnership with police.
Anyone with information on crime can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times