On 20 February 2020, police at Bhekithemba conducted an operation to combat criminal activities in the area. Whilst they were traveling along South Spinal Road at Z Section, they spotted a vehicle travelling on the same road.
The said vehicle was intercepted and a search was conducted on the five occupants in the vehicle. During the search police officers found two unlicensed firearms with 19 rounds of ammunition, five balaclavas, five pairs of gloves and false registration plates in the vehicle.
All five suspects aged between 17 and 43 were placed under arrest for being in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Whilst the police officers were detaining the suspects at the police station, a 25-year-old man arrived looking for his friends. His vehicle was searched by police and a balaclava as well as a large amount of coins were found inside the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that the same vehicle was used in an armed robbery committed at Y Section in Umlazi earlier this month. Both vehicles were impounded for further investigation. The suspect was charged for armed robbery. All six men are expected to appear in the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula commended Bhekithemba police for averting further robberies by apprehending the suspects and seizing the illegal firearms. “The suspects will also be profiled to establish if they are linked to other robberies and serious crimes reported in Umlazi and surrounding areas. We are quiet convinced that they will be linked to other crimes in the province,” he said.
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