Africa-Press – Seychelles. Three of four men who were arrested on Sunday night, following reports that they were entering properties under false pretenses, appeared before the Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon.
Two of the men, a 25-year-old from North East Point and a19-year-old of Mont Fleuri, are in custody, while an 18-year-old has been released on certain conditions.
The fourth, a 36-year-old from Mont Fleuri, will appear in court later, as he suffered certain injuries and was hospitalised. The suspect was handed over to the police after he was arrested by a group of civilians.
According to reports made to the police, the foursome forced their way into four homes at Bel Ombre, falsely claiming to be security forces officers in search of a man. They allegedly donned masks and military attire, and threatened violence during the false raids.
The police were called to assist at around 9.10pm on Sunday.
Assistant commissioner of police, Antoine Desnousse, on Monday said that the police are treating the act as a serious one, as the foursome entered people’s homes with intent to commit a crime, either stealing or threatening violence.
“The police want to clarify that the individuals involved have no affiliation with any security enforcement authority. Four civilians decided to barge their way into people’s homes by claiming that they work for State House, the police or military,” Mr Desnousse said.
Mr Desnousse noted that the police were quick to jump to action, and they were made to chase the suspects’ car, after they failed to stop when signaled to do so by officers at the Beau Vallon police station.
The police are in possession of the fully-tinted ‘getaway’ car which belongs to one of the suspects, Mr Desnousse confirmed. Certain “substances” were discovered in the vehicle, and while an undisclosed number of knives was also seized, there were no guns.
An investigation is ongoing.
It is important that civilians know that police officers must identify themselves prior to conducting a search on a property, and that they have a right to ask that police officers identify themselves, Mr Desnousse said.
“I want to reassure the public that we will do everything to stop these things from happening. We would like to assure people that the police are on top of it, and we will ensure that we disband organised crime,” Mr Desnousse assured.
He vowed to up police presence for civilians to feel a sense of security and protection.
Mr Desnousse also issued a warning to criminals to think twice before offending in the face of serious legal consequences.
Condemning certain acts by civilians, which he said endangered the lives of officers on Sunday, he also applauded the public who assist the police in its work. In particular, he commended the community Crimewatch groups and asked that they join hands with the police to combat crime.
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