'Threatening' burglar killed

2004-05-04 11:41

Hannah Keal Threatening burglar killed after stabbing dog Pietermaritzburg - A burglar was shot dead on Monday afternoon in the Prestbury area after threatening police with a dagger and stabbing a police dog.

Police first learned about the break-in when Raynold Ninela was called home by his security company because his alarm was going off.

"When I went around the side of the house there was a lot of clothing lying around and I noticed there was a broken window," said Ninela. He went directly to the Prestbury police station to report the burglary.

Prestbury and Dog Unit policemen picked up a trail of blood and clothes in the bushes around Ninela's house.

"There were blood marks from the man. I think he hurt himself trying to get out after the alarm went off," said Ninela.

Police spokesperson Captain Joshua Gwala said the dog, Milo, was released to track the thief down. When Milo attacked the suspect, he stabbed the dog in the neck and managed to get away. After police shouted to the man, telling him to stop, he turned around and started towards them, waving a dagger.

After repeated verbal warnings and a warning shot, police shot the thief, who was still approaching them with a knife in his hand. He died at the scene.

Ninela said he recovered all of his stolen belongings.

Milo is stable after being treated by a veterinary surgeon.

- The Witness