Phone thief caught: Social media users help identify suspect
Arrest of phone thief highlights the power of social media in crime-solving
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The well-known criminal seen in a circulating video grabbing a cellphone has been located by the JMPD TRU in Hillbrow.
In videos seen online, the phone snatcher can be seen being captured and held roughly and being asked questions.
The MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, EFF Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu, will open a case of robbery, theft and assault following an incident involving a cellphone smash-and-grabbing that occurred at Brooklyn Crème Restaurant.
A case will be formally lodged at Brooklyn Police Station this afternoon against Nobert Zapambela, who was seen fleeing in a silver Toyota Corolla with registration HD 23 TZ GP.
According to anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, the suspect was arrested previously and is out on bail, also on a Brooklyn Pretoria case. It is believed that the latest victim has now opened a charge with the police.
South African social media users had rallied to identify the suspect after he was seen in a video snatching a woman’s phone while she entered Kream restaurant in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
In the video, a woman dressed in white can be seen walking up the stairs as her friend records her.
Users quickly matched him to Nobert Zapambela, a Zimbabwean allegedly living in Johannesburg's Maboneng. Screenshots of the alleged suspect's Instagram showed photos of him in the same outfit partying at clubs.
His arrest has been welcomed by the public with many hoping that justice will be served.
IOL