DURBAN: Police officers from the eThekwini Central Field Unit conducted an intelligence driven operation to hunt down robbery suspects hiding out in KwaMashu. The operation which was conducted last night resulted in the arrest of two suspects aged 26 and 29.

Police pounced on the first suspect who was at a shopping centre, however he fled into dense bushes when he spotted police. The police officers gave chase and he was eventually apprehended after an extensive search of the area. The suspect (29) is alleged to have entered a shop on Mahatma Gandhi Road with his accomplices last month and stole groceries, cellphones and airtime vouchers. Following his arrest he was detained at the Point police station on charges of robbery. He will appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on 28 April 2020. He will join his four co-accused who are already in custody. 

The operation continued and led to the arrest of the second wanted suspect who had fled and hid in a storm water drain when he spotted police arriving. It is alleged that on 6 March 2020, a 63-year-old man withdraw cash from a bank on Mahatma Gandhi Road when he was attacked by an unknown male who robbed him of his money. A case of robbery was opened at the Point police station for investigation. Rigorous investigation by police led them to KwaMashu where the suspect (26) was arrested. He will also appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2020.  

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula praised the police officers for successfully apprehending the suspects. “We will continue to hunt down wanted suspects relentlessly and those that commit crimes in this province should always be looking over their shoulders as we will pounce on them at any given time no matter where they choose to hide,” he said. Source: South African Police Service