A skelm who burgled a Heideveld home and stole a TV got his day in court today after he was busted by the “Gown Gang”.
Less than a week after a group of gatvol moms and oumas took to the streets to help keep innocent commuters safe, more women in the Cape Flats community have joined the pyjama patrollers.
Ouma Jasmina Dout, 69, says on Saturday, women chased after the skelm in Rosa Court wearing bright coloured gowns to teach him a lesson after he burgled a home.
Mom Carmen MacFarlane, 58, says the drama happened during the loadshedding.
“I sent my one daughter to go and buy electricity because there were little units and she walked to the garage early on Saturday morning (sic),” she explains
“She was walking with the skelm because we know him and he said he will take the electricity home for her but she didn't realise she gave him the key as well and that is how he got in.”
Jasmina says she woke up to a commotion and when the women heard what had happened, they rushed to get their gowns.
“We saw the gown gang in the Voice and decided we are going to do what they did. So we ran out in our gowns to go and look for him.”
The women were unable to recover the TV but on Monday, information surfaced that the skelm was hiding in Carol Court and they alerted the police.
“The detectives came and arrested him and we decided that we are joining the gown gang because we are gatvol of the skelms and the people who keep robbing us,” Jasmina.
“We were inspired by the ladies who started the Gown Gang and believe that they are helping to uplift Heideveld.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms the arrest and says: “A 39-year-old male was arrested after a case of theft was registered at Manenberg SAPS.
“According to reports, he stole a TV and was caught by the community. Once charged he will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court.”