News from Umbilo SAPS

AN armed robbery syndicate is allegedly targeting horse betting businesses in the Glenwood and Umbilo area.

According to Lt Pumzile Makaula from Umbilo SAPS, Umbilo Detective Branch is investigating what appears to be a syndicate, following armed robberies this week.

“These companies need to beef up and increase security,” she said.

On the same day, 17 August two businesses were hit in Davenport. Makaula said at 5.45pm there was a business robbery at a betting premises in Helen Joseph Road.

“The supervisor and cashier saw a man walking towards them. The man was carrying a gun and pointed it at them. He ordered all cashiers and customers to lie down and opened the tills, removing an undisclosed amount of money. He was joined by two others, who demanded the safe be opened. The men got away on foot with the money,” she said.

At 6.15pm, it is alleged two armed men entered another betting venue in Davenport and pointed guns at the employees and clients.

The people were robbed of their cellphones and wallets. The suspects opened all the tills and got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

“They forced the supervisor to open the safe but could not wait as it had a time delay. The men got away on foot,” she said.

Decomposed body found

In another case, the decomposed body of a 66-year-old woman was found by the caretaker in a flat in Umbilo Road. “The caretaker was allegedly drawn to the flat by a smell. He called the deceased’s friend who lives at a block of flats across the road and the police. The woman was found lying dead in her lounge with her hands tied up with blood on her head and on the floor,” said Lt Makaula.

She said the woman's friend last saw her last week Monday and neighbours hadn't seen her for more than two weeks.

“The woman stayed alone and had stayed in the same block for more than 20 years. It is alleged that force had been used to gain entry into the flat. Umbilo police are investigating a case of murder,” she said.

Man dies after alleged attack

Umbilo SAPS is investigating another case of murder after a 25-year-old man died in King Edward hospital last Friday.

According to Lt Makaula, the man had been arrested for common robbery at Rossburgh Station on 28 July, and was under police guard.

“It is alleged that he was assaulted by other commuters at the station and died from head injuries. Umbilo SAPS is investigating a case of murder,” said Makaula.