The man accused of robbing and killing Bonteheuwel mom Lauren Dryden has been arrested again.
Fernando Isaacs, 36, was released from jail just last month due to a lack of evidence.
But he was taken into custody on Saturday after another woman opened a case of robbery against him.
Just like Lauren, the victim was on her way home from a night shift at work when she was attacked by a man who allegedly robbed her of her cellphone in Epping.
The shocked woman ran away and he allegedly shot at her.
Luckily she was not injured.
A source close to the investigation says: “The guy accused of killing the lady from Bonteheuwel months ago has been arrested for this.
“He robbed a lady on Saturday morning who came from the night shift and he took her stuff.
“After robbing her, she ran away from him and he started shooting at her.
“He was not alone, there was another guy who was also armed.”
Police confirm Isaacs was arrested on Saturday evening.
Spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says they are now looking for two suspects.
“Bishop Lavis is investigating a case of robbery with a firearm,” he confirmed.
Bonteheuwel councillor, Angus McKenzie, says the woman is still traumatised and has refused to be identified or speak to the media.
“The victim is still in shock and fears for her life.”
Isaacs was arrested on 20 November 2020, the same day Lauren was killed.
He appeared at the Bishop Lavis Court before the matter was transferred to Goodwood Magistrates’ Court.
However, on 8 March the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew his case due to a lack of evidence.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “Please note that charges against Fernando Isaacs have been provisionally withdrawn and the docket has been returned to the investigating officer for further investigation.”
McKenzie urged the NPA not to bungle the case.
“The opportunity now exists for the criminal justice system to ensure that the same mistakes that caused huge hurt, pain and frustration for the Dryden family as well as the people of Bonteheuwel is not repeated.
“It is very clear to us that the failure of the criminal justice system is one of the biggest causes of ongoing crime in our communities.
“We will once again be demanding that the courts do not grant him bail when he appears early this week.”
Lauren’s sister Lesre Kannemeyer, 40, rejoiced at Isaac’s rearrest.
“I’m glad that he’s behind bars and hopefully they will keep him and follow up on my sister’s case because clearly this is what he does, but instead of a conviction, he is let go,” she said.