A 40 year old man sought for a spate of charges including murder was arrested by Reaction Officers in the Verulam CBD – KZN this afternoon (Tuesday).
The family of 67 year old Francis Calasse, a resident of Ichanga – KZN arrived at Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) HQ on Wednesday (16/08/2023) requesting assistance to apprehend a man responsible for drugging and robbing the recovering quadruple heart bypass patient who later died in hospital.
His family who travelled from Pietermaritzburg- KZN informed Reaction Officers that the suspect resided at a shelter for the homeless and initially performed odd jobs for Calasse. He was requested to reside temporarily on the property after Calasse’s friend and caregiver travelled to Greece in Europe on holiday.
On Wednesday (02/08/2023), the suspect overdosed the elderly male with sleeping medication. He thereafter stole laptops, cellphones, a generator, compressor, cellphones, cash, bank cards and a Toyota Yaris. The vehicle was later recovered torched. Information received was that the suspect had fled to Verulam – KZN. The family of the victim provided a picture of the suspect.
Reaction Officers immediately launched a search and recruited informers around the area. This afternoon (Tuesday, 29/08/2023) at approximately 15:54, RUSA Members received a tip off that the sought after male was seen in the vicinity of the Verulam Magistrates Court on George Sewpersad Street in the Verulam CBD.
A RUSA Officer conducted a patrol in an unmarked vehicle and after a brief observation positively identify the suspect. Back-up Reaction Officers positioned themselves out of sight in the vicinity blocking off all escape routes. Several Officers then surrounded the area and approached the suspect on foot. He was apprehended while soliciting the services of a prostitute. He attempted to flee but was tackled to the ground and restrained.
Initially, he stated that he could only communicate in Afrikaans but during further questioning it was established that he spoke fluent English. The 40 year old stated that he arrived from Johannesburg – Gauteng when he was 18 years old. He developed a drug addiction and was arrested on numerous occasions. He failed to disclose the nature of the charges. The man was detained at the Verulam SAPS on case number 02/08/2023 which was registered at the SAPS Ichanga in Kwazulu Natal.
Reaction Officers contacted Calasse’s family to update them of the arrest and were informed that the victim demised last Wednesday.