THREE suspects who could be linked to various house and business robbery cases in the Umzinto and Hibberdene areas have been arrested.
The trio is expected to appear in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court where they will face charges of attempted murder, possession of a unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as possession of housebreaking implements.
Police described the arrest last Saturday as ‘a breakthrough’.
Acting on information, Detective Sergeant Blessing Ngcobo and Constable PS Gumede of the Umzinto SAPS, accompanied by members of the Hibberdene Task Team, carried out observations in the Mtwalume area.
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The information suggested that a certain male suspect had been seen in the area, driving a white light delivery vehicle. This was confirmed when the vehicle was spotted moving from Mtwalume onto the N2 freeway, northbound.
“The officers requested back-up and, shortly afterwards, Sergeant Rudi Smit, Constable Selby Cele and Constable Sibusiso Cele from the Port Shepstone 10111 call centre response unit joined them on the freeway, following the suspects’ vehicle,” said Port Shepstone SAPS communications officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.
Police attempted to wave down the vehicle but were instead fired upon by one of the passengers. Police returned fire, resulting in the driver of the vehicle slowing down.
Two of the passengers then jumped from the vehicle and ran into bushes opposite the freeway. The driver and a third passenger surrendered once police had surrounded the vehicle.
“Meanwhile, Warrant Officer Brenden Rensburg and Sergeant Brandon Gates with patrol dog, Zeus, from Umzinto K9 Unit, were approaching the scene from a northerly direction on the freeway to assist.They immediately started searching for the suspects in the bushes,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
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Despite one of the suspects escaping, another was apprehended by Zeus – and what a catch he got.
One of the South Coast’s most wanted suspects was taken into custody and a pistol from which the serial number had been filed was recovered.
In addition, 10 rounds of ammunition, a pair of gloves, a bolt cutter and a yellow revolving light were recovered. Police also confiscated cellphones and wristwatches. The vehicle was impounded for further investigations.
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