‘Mercedes Benz Gang’ dismantled by local law enforcement

A crime syndicate dubbed the ‘Mercedes-Benz Gang’ has finally been brought to book after terrorizing homeowners across KZN for the past few months.

Mornè Potgieter, Ithemba Security Services’ Head of Operations, said with a surge in burglaries and home invasions in Newcastle from January, there were fears that a syndicate had started operating in the town. “It was noted that a silver Mercedes-Benz had been spotted in the vicinity of each of these robberies,” he said.

Potgieter told the Advertiser that tracing the out-of-town syndicate proved difficult despite multiple reports of robberies from January to March.

“It was immediately apparent that we were dealing with a very intelligent syndicate who had a very specific ‘victim’ in mind when carrying out their crimes. They were clearly targeting wealthy victims, as they were after cash, firearms, and highly valuable jewellery,” he said.

Knowing exactly who they were going to target, Potgieter believed the syndicate had local informants who were able to provide them with personal information about the victims and what items would be found in their homes.

“They also knew exactly when to conduct basic home burglaries and when they would have to sit and wait for the homeowners to return to get what they wanted,” he said.

The gang operated cautiously making sure no evidence was left behind.

This modus operandi allowed them to get away with their crimes while homeowners remained frightened, not knowing who next would be targeted.

Following a very lengthy investigation, which included the help of SAPS KZN CI MDOC, it was discovered that the same syndicate had been committing the same style of heinous and often violent home invasions across KZN.

With all the information available to them, the team was able to start piecing together a puzzle of what they were working with.

Yet, the syndicate was still able to evade arrests by remaining one step ahead of law enforcement.

However, their luck changed on February 28 after they committed a vicious armed robbery on Erica Drive, in which an elderly couple was severely injured.

“They left behind so much incriminating evidence that ultimately allowed us to start identifying the suspects, their vehicle, and their whereabouts,” stated Potgieter.

That afternoon, Potgieter and his team met with the SAPS KZN CI MDOC, Blue Security CCPU (Durban), and Fidelity Specialised Intervention Unit (Durban).

A plan of action was quickly put in place with the help of various KZN officials involved in the investigation, and all five suspects were identified and put under observation.

The next day, Potgieter said they were able to determine the suspects’ local safe house, which was situated in a well-known suburb in Newcastle.

However, the suspects were not there.

All the information gathered led officials to Durban, where the suspects were traced. Needing concrete evidence to ensure a successful arrest, the suspects were shadowed for about a month, allowing them to learn their modus operandi.

On the morning of March 29, law enforcement units carried out a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation after receiving a tip-off that the syndicate was again on their way to Newcastle.

“An operational team was formed, and members were deployed to various spots in and around town.

” Potgieter explained that, for some reason, once in Newcastle, the suspects seemed to be spooked and quickly left town without committing a crime. Officials traced the suspects to the N2 towards Kwa Dukuza, where the vehicle was spotted and intercepted.

“Three suspects were arrested, while one was fatally wounded after a shootout ensued between the suspects and operational members,” concluded Potgieter.

Exhibits seized: One Mercedes Benz (linked to numerous crime scenes), two unlicensed firearms and live ammunition, cellphones and clothing.

Units involved: SAPS KZN CI MDOC, SAPS Durban NIU, Durban K9 Unit, Sydenham Trio SAPS, Blue Security CCPU (Durban), Fidelity Specialised Intervention Unit (Durban) and Ithemba Security Tracing Team.

Shoplifting syndicate also apprehended:

In another victory for law enforcement, a suspected shoplifting syndicate, which had been targeting retailers across the country, was stopped dead in their tracks after targeting a shopping mall in Newcastle last week.

Potgieter said the incident occurred on April 5 when Ithemba Security officers, stationed at the Mall, requested backup while chasing a suspect who had stolen items from Clicks.

“Our armed response team assisted and a suspect was apprehended. During this incident, a white Toyota Fortuner was spotted by our team speeding out of the mall. A chase commenced around the CBD that led to the N11 heading to Volksrust,” said Potgieter.

“Our specialised intervention unit was activated and gave chase, and all units in the nearby towns alerted. Our team caught up with the vehicle in Charlestown, where the suspects were apprehended and found with various stolen items from different retailers.”

It was then established that the suspects were part of a ‘professional’ shoplifting syndicate.

Units Involved: Ithemba Specialised Intervention Team, Ithemba Guarding Division, Ithemba Armed Response, Newcastle SAPS, Volksrust SAPS, ACSU Security (Volksrust), Preyt Security (Volksrust) and NCA Reaction (Volksrust).

“We thank all the units that assisted in apprehending all these suspects,” Potgieter said, adding that residents should be more alert of their surroundings and what they deem ‘suspicious, as most of these high-profile crimes are not committed by local so-called ‘parras’.

“These crimes are being committed by highly-skilled criminals parading around in the fanciest cars, dressed in the fanciest attire which allows them to go unnoticed as they are not seen as suspicious. Take note of unusual gatherings of people that may last for a day or two. Make use of your local proactive security firms who are actively involved in the combating of crime daily,” he said.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).