Arrest of 10 to end N2 smash and grab terror reign
Suspected gang leader points authorities to his accomplices.
THERE has been a breakthrough in the rampant smash and grab incidents at the Higginson Highway interchange, after 10 men were arrested on Wednesday, 6 August.
Upon receipt of a tip-off, police arrested the suspected leader of the gang in Mobeni at about 11am. He was detained at Wentworth SAP for further investigation.
The smash and grab incidents have taken on serious overtones, with stones and boulders being thrown into the N2 from the Higginson Highway bridge. Police believe this was a method to get cars to stop, before the gang hijacked the occupants. In one such incident, a toddler narrowly escaped with his life when a brick was thrown at his parents car. The brick narrowly missed his car seat. He sustained minor cuts on his face and legs.
According to a police source, who cannot be named as he is not allowed to speak to the media, he co-operated with authorities and led them to nine of his accomplices. Montclair SAP and Crime Intelligence worked throughout the night to arrest the men, all of whom are from Lamontville.
This comes as a relief to motorists who have been under siege by criminals waiting to prey on them. Over thirty smash and grab incidents have been reported recently in the area and the majority of the victims were women. Montclair police have been pro-active in warning motorists by handing out pamphlets and urging them be cautious when driving in the area. Patrols had been set up in the area as a measure to curb the robberies, which not only targeted motorists but pedestrians as well.
Police are working to link the men to other smash and grab incidents.
