FIVE people were arrested in connection with a business break-in in Woody Glen on the outskirts of Hammarsdale (Mpumalanga township) in the early hours of Tuesday morning (June 30).

According to KZN police, the group were breaking into container tuck shops on Embuthweni Main Road.

“One suspect was arrested inside the tuck shop whereas four were cornered and arrested as they attempted to flee. The suspects, aged between 14 and 27 years old, will be charged for malicious damage to property and business burglary. They are still being processed and will appear in court soon,” said provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

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Meanwhile the KZN Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, applauded members of law enforcement for the arrest.

“The arrest in Woody Glen is a stern warning to everyone that we will not tolerate any acts of criminality. We cannot and will not allow anarchy and lawlessness to be the order of the day,” said Ntuli.

“We acknowledge and respect that civil society has the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, we urge all those participating in today’s marches against illegal immigration to do so within the prescript of the law.”

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The arrest comes at a time with marches taking place nationwide protesting against undocumented foreign nationals and calling for them to leave South Africa.

According to the Premier, provincial government has set up a rapid response nerve centre in Durban and at all Districts to ensure speedy response, and to quell any reported incidents of crime around the province.

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