Yesterday afternoon at approximately 16h50, a message was circulated on a WhatsApp Community Crime Alert group reporting that a male individual was seen pushing a green wheelie bin filled with scrap metal along Mimosa Road in the Greenwood Park area. The individual dropped the bin after being confronted by a member of the public.
Marshall Security Armed Response Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene to investigate.
The green wheelie bin was left at the location where it was abandoned. Officers remained nearby in anticipation of the suspect possibly returning to retrieve it. A short while later, a follow-up message was shared on the community group indicating that the same suspect had returned and was heading towards Chris Hani Road.
Officers responded swiftly, proceeded to the area, and successfully apprehended the suspect. He could not provide proof of ownership for the bin.
A notice was then distributed across various community platforms urging residents to contact Marshall Security or the SAPS should they have had their wheelie bin stolen.
Greenwood Park SAPS arrived shortly thereafter and transported both the suspect and the bin to the station for further investigation and processing.
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of real-time community alerts, rapid response, and strong coordination with SAPS in tackling opportunistic crimes.
If you or someone you know is missing a green wheelie bin, please contact Marshall Security or Greenwood Park SAPS.
