Japanese diplomats robbed in Pta
2008-01-08 08:51
Pretoria - Another two foreign diplomats have been attacked and robbed in separate incidents at their homes in the capital.
The two are with the Japanese embassy.
In the first incident, an embassy official was overwhelmed in his driveway by four armed men as he returned to his Waterkloof home from OR Tambo Airport at about 08:30 on Saturday.
National police spokesperson Dennis Adriao said the man was attacked by the gang as he waited for the guard to open the security gate at his home.
The robbers made off with his cellphone, wallet and luggage.
Another embassy official and his wife were attacked and held up by two robbers at their home in Lynwood, Pretoria, about 14:00 on Sunday.
Adriao said the armed men stole electrical appliances, jewellery and a laptop computer, among other things.
Teen and guard arrested
When approached on Monday, the embassy did not wish to name the victims nor comment on the robberies.
No one was injured in the attacks.
Adriao said a 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday evening at a flat in the Pretoria CBD in connection with the robbery earlier that day.
A 23-year old security guard who was on duty at the home of the Japanese couple was also arrested.
A number of stolen items and the guard's firearm, which was taken during the robbery, were found at the flat.
Adriao said the diplomatic protection unit would shortly be strengthened by 100 new members.
He said 32 new vehicles already had been bought for the unit.
The police, members of the diplomatic corps and the ministry of safety and security met in November after several armed robberies at the homes of diplomats.
Stabbed diplomat stable
Adriao said on Monday the posts already had been advertised. They could be filled as early as February.
Meanwhile, High Commissioner of Tanzania Emmanuel Mwambulukutu, 63, who was smashed over the head with bottles by four robbers and then stabbed in the head with broken bottle pieces, is reported to be in a stable condition.
Sonja Ewels of Pretoria East Hospital said on Monday that although Mwambulukutu was showing signs of progress, he would still take a long time to recover.