A ROVING gang of robbers infamous in the Isipingo policing precinct, known as the ‘Etios gang’, was arrested on the evening of June 20 after over 20 known cases of house robbery and robbery.
During the week an Isipingo resident became a victim of a house robbery in which the same vehicle was used in the crime. The vehicle in question was a white Toyota Etios with no registration number, and a bullet hole in the boot.
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Three suspects aged between 20 and 26 were arrested by Isipingo police’s Vispol Social Crime Prevention officers.
According to constable Donald Naidoo, communications officer of the Isipingo police, a private security company reported a suspicious white Toyota Etios fitting the description.
“The Vispol members proceeded to Alexandra Road, where the suspects fled and ended up ramming into another vehicle on Phila Ndwanda Road in Isipingo CBD. The driver was searched along with two passengers. Two replica firearms were found in the passengers’ possession. The suspects were taken to the Isipingo police station for further questioning with regard to the bullet hole on the boot. The victim of the house robbery was at the station to report the suspicious vehicle only to identify that the suspects brought in to the station were the same three suspects that robbed him at his house,” said Naidoo.
The ‘Etios gang’ was detained for house robbery, and were subsequently linked with other cases wherein a vehicle fitting the same description was used.
Naidoo said, “We are responding decisively to the war declared by criminals and we remain resolute in our efforts to fight crime and anyone who threatens the safety and security of law abiding citizens. We have adopted an aggressive approach in ensuring that we stamp the authority of the State.”
The three suspects were detained and are set to appear at the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court.
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