An attempt to rob a woman of Rs 700 after she withdrew money from an ATM failed on Tuesday morning, March 15, thanks to the tenacity of the 26-year-old woman, who works at the Accountant General’s office, and the help of members of the public. Suspect Asheelle Gowreea, a 22-year-old homeless man, was subdued and arrested before being handed over to the police.
It was at about 8.10am on Tuesday 15 March that the woman presented herself in front of one of the counters of the Mauritius Commercial Bank branch at Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis. The resident of Deux Frères was about to make a withdrawal of Rs 700, after inserting her card. As the money was coming out of the machine, an unknown hand arrived at the same time to take the money. The young woman then grabbed her notes with all her might, to the extent that one of them was even torn. Without losing her composure, she called for help. Passers-by and people entering the room came to her aid.
The suspect was subdued and held there until the arrival of police officers from Pope Hennessy Police Station, who were called to the scene. The investigation into the matter is being conducted by Sergeant Theodile. Asheelle Gowreea was arraigned in the Port Louis Magistrates’ Court on the same day on a provisional charge of theft. He was held in a police cell.
