Suspect arrested after cellphones stolen from Durban North gym
The alleged cellphone thief has been targeting gyms in Durban and was caught after stealing two devices from a Durban North gym on Tuesday.
A MAN believed to be linked to a series of gym thefts in Durban and Johannesburg was arrested on Tuesday evening after two high-end cellphones were stolen from a Durban North gym.
Also read: Two arrested after Lothian Road robbery
According to Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell, the company’s Emergency Dispatch Centre received reports at about 16:30 from gym members in the Fairways area who discovered their Samsung S24 Ultra devices missing after a workout.
“The victims had left their phones in a designated area used by members to store personal belongings. When they returned, the devices were gone,” said Powell.
Gym management identified a newly registered male member as a possible suspect after he was seen leaving the facility abruptly. Several attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
Later that evening, at approximately 19:26, Marshall Security received information regarding the suspect’s possible location at a well-known hotel along the Durban beachfront.
“Members of our Special Operations Team responded immediately and spotted the suspect outside the hotel. He attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended,” Powell confirmed.
Durban Metro Police and SAPS were called to the scene and assisted in the arrest. During a search of the suspect’s hotel room, officers discovered both stolen cellphones hidden inside a safe. The devices had been wrapped in foil and sealed in a plastic container, apparently in an effort to block tracking signals.
The suspect was taken to the Durban North SAPS station for further investigation and processing. Both victims have since opened official cases.
Powell said investigators believe the man could be connected to multiple similar incidents at gyms across Durban and Johannesburg, where he allegedly registered under false names before targeting members’ valuables.
“Marshall Security urges anyone who may have been a victim of similar thefts to contact Durban North SAPS,” Powell added.
He said the quick arrest highlighted the effectiveness of co-ordination between private security, law enforcement, and the community.
“This swift and co-ordinated operation underscores our commitment to rapid response, community collaboration, and intelligence sharing to recover stolen property and bring suspects to justice,” Powell said.
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