A distinctive birthmark has led to a positive identification - and arrest - of a man who stole a chain from the neck of a female passenger in peak-hour traffic in Durban.
A member of Reaction Unit South Africa who was on patrol in the Verulam CBD apprehended the chain snatcher‚ and turned him over to the SAPS.
The reaction officer was a witness to the crime while it was in progress.
He first noticed the man approaching a white Ford Figo that was parked in peak hour traffic on Moss Street.
"The suspect grabbed a gold chain from the neck of a female passenger and attempted to flee‚" said Rusa. "The officer abandoned his car and chased the suspect on foot. He was arrested a short while later at the Verulam bus rank.
"The suspect was later identified by the complainant who noticed a black birthmark above his left eyebrow during the robbery."
Rusa said the man is believed to be part of a syndicate that targets victims wearing gold jewellery in the CBD.
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