Durban - A concerted effort by a group of crime fighters led to the arrest of a man linked to a spate of robberies in the Burman Bush nature reserve in Morningside.
A 42-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday afternoon near Burman Bush said Captain Nqobile Gwala, a KZN Police spokesperson. She said the Police had received information about a suspicious man walking around the area.
Gwala said the suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of the following items, one okapi knife, gold chain, bangles and earrings. The suspect was positively identified by one of the Burman Bush victims.
"He is also linked to robberies cases reported in Mayville and will be profiled to check if he is linked to other cases reported in Durban and surrounding areas. He will appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court soon," Gwala said.
Instrumental in the arrests were Nicky Burke and Sean Kuryszczuk of the Berea Community Policing Forum. They had set up a group on WhatsApp with police officials. Burke said they walked through the various nature trails on Sunday to map out the possible escape routes when they came across the suspects hiding place.
"We had to bring robberies in the reserve to an end. We saw a man fitting the description and relayed the information to police who boxed him in and made the arrest. Police had found many items in his home that could have been stolen from people over the years," Burke said.
On August 1, Harsh words greet visitors to a Wikipedia search on Burman Bush. Before you can read a summary of what the reserve offers, you first read in capital letters, “Do not go there. Robberies happen at gunpoint on the trails.”
The entry about the robberies which has since been removed was put up as a warning after Durban resident Graham Thompson, his wife and son were robbed in the reserve. Several others also came forward speaking of their robbery ordeals.
According to Wikipedia, the 50-hectare Burman Bush is situated about 8km north of the CBD and comprises a small coastal forest which forms part of the Durban Municipal Open Space System.
Martin Meyer, eThekwini ward 27 councillor, said held a meeting on Monday with several role players. On Tuesday, he would present his findings to the eThekwini municipality parks and gardens department.
"This will also be used as a springboard to launch the Friends of Burman Bush and Conservancy to assist with restoring this gem to a shining jewel in our city,” he said.
According to Wikipedia, among the trees found in reserve are flat-crowns, forest fever-berry and red beech; the reserve has three walking trails, the Pithi (500m), Hadedah (1km) and Forest Olive (2km); and a viewing platform at the outer walk’s northern extremity allows sweeping views of the uMngeni River, from Connaught Bridge to the Blue Lagoon.
Anyone who had been a victim inside or near the Burman Bush nature reserve are urged to contact Mayville Detectives on 031 203 7390 or crime stop 0800 10111.