Suspected tuck shop robbers arrested in Marburg
Unlicensed weapons and ammunition were also recovered.
THREE men were yesterday arrested for business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Port Shepstone Public Order Policing, Port Shepstone Tactical Response Team and Port Shepstone Crime Prevention Unit made the arrests.
On Wednesday this week a tuck shop owner at Msikaba ward, Betania, was shot in the thigh by three armed men who then fled, taking the shop’s cash.
“Yesterday Warrant Officer PC Naicker from Port Shepstone Crime Prevention unit followed up information regarding the robbery and which led him to a business in Marburg which rents out vehicles,” said police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.
While W/O Naicker was at the premises, a black VW Polo arrived with three occupants who were returning the vehicle.
“The suspected robbers had hired the vehicle the previous day to carry out the robbery at Msikaba. Information was received that they were also going to target five other tuck shops, but found them to be closed,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
The three were arrested and the car had been confiscated. Warrant Officer Naicker and police members from the Port Shepstone Public Order Policing (POP), Port Shepstone TRT and Port Shepstone Crime Prevention unit went to SJ Smith (Wema) hostel in Mobeni, Durban yesterday where they recovered a .38 pistol with nine rounds, a 9mm pistol with 12 rounds and an empty cartridge.
“It is suspected that the firearms were used during the robbery. The three will be charged with business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
Investigations will also be done to determine their possible involvement in other robberies in the area.
