Cape Town - A pensioner from Bo-Kaap says he wants to teach a notorious criminal in the area a lesson about stealing from the vulnerable, as he highlights his fight with the justice system.
Exactly a year ago, Shafiek Isaacs, 73, became a burglary victim when his place in Yusuf Drive was broken into.
Through his persistence, Isaacs said he led his own investigation, questioning witnesses and his friends who directed him to a pawn shop where his goods were sold, and even obtained footage of the suspect wearing his clothes and pawning his property.
Isaacs said that around September 23 last year, he got a call to say his place had been broken into and that the suspect, who is known in the area, was smoking drugs on his stoep.
“You know in all my years, being born and bred in Bo-Kaap, I never imagined this, especially from a laaitie (child) who grew up in front of me.
“When I got to my house, the way it looked, he ransacked my place. The safe was opened, he even took the only pictures I had of my parents and then went to go smoke drugs on my stoep.”
Isaacs said he didn’t panic and immediately went to the Cape Town Central police station to open a case.
“He was arrested on October 5 and a day later released on bail.
“Then he probably returned to court two more times with me there. I was told it’s not necessary to come to court, I would be subpoenaed.”
Isaacs said time went by and everything became quiet.
He said he didn’t hear anything from the investigating officer as promised.
“I’m telling you, me with my heart condition, walking up and down to that station asking what’s happening. Every time I would be told the file is at court.
“In the meantime I found out he sold my things at a pawn shop in Observatory. I obtained footage of him doing just that. He was even wearing my jacket.
“He took my Fabiani and Superdry jackets that he kept for himself. I still see him wear them.”
Isaacs said he went back the station in June this year, ready to take on the suspect, but was told the case had been struck from the court roll.
“That is why I am approaching the media, because I want this case back on the roll. I have evidence against him and I am not scared to use it. I will defend myself. I just need the police to do their job and arrest him.”
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed a case of burglary had been registered, and the suspect was arrested but released on bail.
“The case was removed from the roll as the witness could not be traced at the time.
“However, the investigating officer managed to locate the witness from whom a statement will be obtained to have the case reinstated.
“The complainant were informed of the progress of the case.”
Isaacs said he was informed about the process of the case yesterday and thanked the media for their help.
“Now he will be taught a lesson,” Isaacs said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Cape Argus