Police forced to release thief

Durban - A thief who was brought down by a police dog in a chase through Cowie’s Hill early on Thursday morning involving security companies and police had to be released from custody when the targeted homeowner refused to press charges.

The Mercury understands that the Flying Squad and Blue Security heeded the call for help at 2.30am and rushed to Birdhurst Road, where they were given a description of the intruder.

Police saw a man who matched the description flee into nearby bush.

A dog from the metro police’s dog unit pursued him and brought him down.

“Suddenly, the complainant decided he did not want to open a case and did not wish to get involved,” one of the policemen told The Mercury.

Now the police were “sitting with a suspect, allegedly for attempted house robbery, who was tackled by a dog, but had no case.”

The suspect was detained at the Westville police station.

Westville police spokesman Stephen Clark said: “No charge could be brought against the suspect. He had to be released.”

However, police would pursue a case of attempted house-breaking.

Why the homeowner did not wish to open a case was unclear on Thursday and The Mercury was unable to reach him.

Police and Upper Highway residents were angry - especially with the surge of violent robberies in the areas.

Another policeman said: “Now what would happen if there was a complaint of wrongful arrest or police brutality? This is sometimes what we get from ungrateful people.”

He said that by calling for help and then refusing to press charges made police vulnerable to civil claims for false arrests.

Facebook was flooded with comments. Bronwyn Roets wrote on Brad Nathanson’s Investigations page: “Thanks, dude. You have just allowed him to target yet another home.”

Theresa Hills said: “This complainant is doing his family, neighbours, community and police such an injustice.”

Nikki Mohlmann added: “Police… risk their lives each and every day, now this thug will get to commit another crime.”

The Mercury