DURBAN – Police at Verulam made a breakthrough when they linked five arrested suspects to various serious and violent crimes at Canelands, Cottonlands and Tongaat. The breakthrough is as a result of proactive policing which resulted in Verulam police officers stopping a vehicle with four occupants. The vehicle and occupants were searched and they were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms, a police bullet proof vest and handcuffs. The vehicle is suspected to be used in various crimes in the area.
The suspects were profiled by police and they were linked to a number of cases in the area including house robberies, business robberies and attempted murders. The arrested suspects aged between 33 and 37 appeared in the Verulam Magistrates Court yesterday on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They were remanded into custody until 13 August 2019, whilst the investigation into their involvement in other crimes are ongoing.
In another operation, Mooi River police arrested three wanted housebreaking suspects. The police officers were following up on intelligence which lead them to various homes at Bruntville yesterday. Three suspects were arrested and stolen goods from a housebreaking case were recovered. All three suspects aged between 20 and 27 were charged with housebreaking and theft. One of the arrested suspects was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition. An additional charged for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition was added to his name. The suspects will appear in the Mooi River Magistrates Court tomorrow.
It is alleged that on 26 July 2019, the home owner left his house locked in Mooi River and went to work. When he returned he noticed that his home was broken into. A TV set, laptop and a firearm were taken. A case of housebreaking was opened at Mooi River police station for further investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula commended the police officers for their outstanding investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects. “We are confident that our investigating officers will investigate these cases thoroughly to ensure that the suspects face the full might of the law. It is very crucial for us to arrest these repeat offenders and work with all role-players in the criminal justice system to guarantee that they are not released back into society,” said Lieutenant General Jula.
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