Two of the six suspects whose modus operandi is to lure victims into the Mariannhill area – through social media to purchase electronic equipment – were arrested on Thursday.

The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation after information was received about a gang of six suspects.

Local police spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes says once the victims arrived at the area, they were taken to an abandoned house in the Oakland area, where they were held at gunpoint and robbed of their belongings as well as cash withdrawn from their accounts.

“The police officers posed as buyers and arranged to meet with the suspects. As two of the suspects approached the police officers, they were swiftly nabbed. The other four, who were hiding at the abandoned house, then opened fire on the police officers, and the police returned fire.

“The four suspects fled onto the railway line and managed to escape. On searching one of the arrested suspect’s houses, a computer hard drive and screen, as well as an iPhone, were recovered.”

On further investigation, it was established that the property was being sold in Durban.

Rhynes adds that investigations are underway to find the outstanding suspects and recover further stolen property.

“The suspects will also be linked to other similar cases. The police appeal to the victims of such crimes to come forward and open a case, as well as to existing complainants to also contact the Mariannhill detectives.”

The eThekwini District commissioner, Major General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa, says: “I’m pleased with the arrests thus far and am expecting more arrests to follow shortly.”