Pedestrians targeted in Montclair robberies in the latest crime briefs

RESIDENTS are warned to walk in groups and always be alert of their surroundings following excessive complaints of robberies in the Montclair policing area.

“The police station has been inundated with these reports, especially between 5am and 8am and between 5pm and 8pm. These crimes occur in and around the Montclair area, more especially when members of the community are walking to and from their destination such as shopping centres.”

“The modus operandi appears to be that the victims are accosted while walking by the occupants of either a silver Toyota Yaris or Etios,” said spokesperson, Captain Derek Vijiam. He said the vehicle with its occupants usually appears suddenly and stops next to the victims, physically grappling them and thereby removing their belongings such as cash, jewellery, cellphone and or bags. “Take notice of unusual sighting and make mental notes for your own safety,” he added.

Wednesday, 19 February

A MAN responsible for a business robbery in Clairwood finally met his fate when he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment recently.

“Four suspects confronted the security officer with a firearm on South Coast Road at about 2am. They then placed the officer in a room with fellow staff members and made them lie on the floor. The suspects then searched the victims for cellphones and removed it.”

“One suspect guarded the victims while the others searched the premises. Blue Security personnel arrived on the scene and one suspect was apprehended. Detective-Sergeant Sifiso Shezi investigated the case and the accused, Lethukuthula Radebe, was tried and found guilty, sentenced and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Vijiam.

Sunday, 6 September

A BUSINESS robbery case was filed with the Montclair police after three unknown men held staff at gunpoint and made off with items in Mobeni at about 5.30am.

“Security guards were surprised by an unknown silver-grey BMW and its occupants, who entered through the gates that were not closed on a business property on Crew Road. Three occupants alighted from the vehicle while one remained inside.”

“The suspects, who wore masks, held up the security personnel and constructors at gunpoint and made them lie on the floor. They then waited for employees to arrive and robbed them of personal belongings,” said Captain Vijiam.

One suspect proceeded into the office block and removed computers from the office and other personal equipment from the victims. The suspects thereafter made their getaway. If you have information that may assist the detective with the investigation, call Sergeant BG Dlamini on 079-500-0836.

Monday, 7 September

CARJACKING leads are being followed into an investigation by the Montclair police after a man was held at gunpoint in Mobeni at about 8.30am.

“The victim was driving his vehicle along Grimsby Road when he was stopped by unknown men driving a silver-grey Toyota Etios without registration plates. The occupants were in possession of firearms and identified themselves as policemen and one of them produced an appointment certificate.”

“He then demanded to search the vehicle, a white Lexus. They found cash to the value of R300 000 in the boot. Thereafter they informed him he was under arrest. They forced him into the boot of the car and drove to Umlazi where they dropped him off at KwaMnyandu Shopping Mall. The vehicle was found later on the shopping mall’s rooftop,” said Vijiam.

Monday, 7 September

A WOMAN robbed of her belongings was pleased to get it back after the police followed leads that led to the arrest of the suspect in Montclair.

“The victim was walking on Wingate Road about 8am, when she was accosted by occupants of a silver-grey Etios, who stopped next to her. The suspects produced knives robbed her of her handbag and sped off. Captains Vernon Naidoo and Sharon Cameroden assisted the victim by patrolling the area. Naidoo noticed a suspicious vehicle fitting the description given,” said Vijiam.

When officers further investigated, its occupants sped off and a high-speed chase ensued with back-up from Metro Police and Security Force through Clairwood and Montclair.

“The suspect went into a property in Montclair and into the house. After the police searched the house, the suspect escaped on foot. He was tracked by the armed forces and arrested. The exhibits were also recovered. The station commander, Colonel Trevor Small, congratulated the members and partners on a fine initiative and teamwork to make Montclair a safer place,” he added.  

July 2019 

MONTCLAIR detectives successfully secured a conviction of attempted murder after two men savagely assaulted an officer of the law.

“The attempted murder case was opened after the assault at Club Ground Zero in Bellair. This case was then handed to Detective-Captain Rico Naidoo of Montclair police. During that evening, an altercation had occurred with a patron at the club.”

“A police official was then assaulted by two men who were under the influence of alcohol. In this ensuing fight, the accused savagely assaulted the victim and left him in a coma for a lengthy period. Both accused, Jerome Devan Moodley, 32, and Dayalan Lionel Moodley, 34, were found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment. They were declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Vijiam.

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

A MAN accused of killing his alleged girlfriend was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment recently.

“At midday on the day, the woman was stabbed in the chest at Montclair Mall in the parking area. She was rushed to King Edward VIII Hospital and was declared dead on the way. The docket was given to Detective-Sergeant Sifiso Shezi, who found a link with an alleged boyfriend.”

“The investigation intensified and the accused, Musa Dlamini, was charged and appeared in court. He was found guilty of murder, sentenced and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Vijiam.    

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