Yesterday a multi-disciplinary operation was conducted in the Maphumulo policing precinct as police were on the trail of robbery suspects. The operation included police officers from the Umhlali K9 Unit; Maphumulo SAPS; Public Order Police; Newark SAPS; Tracker and various security companies. In the course of the operation, three men were arrested by police at Mvozane Reserve.
Police recovered seven vehicles which were inclusive of bakkies; passenger vehicles and a truck. Preliminary investigations revealed that these vehicles were stolen from several areas in the province such as Pinetown; Umbilo; Kwambonambi; Richards Bay and Durban Central. Police had launched the operation following investigations into numerous robberies where motor vehicles were taken. During the operation security forces engaged the use of a chopper to direct ground forces to the location of the stolen vehicles.
The suspects were spotted traveling a stolen vehicle and they drove into the bush in an attempt to evade arrest. The use of an aircraft led to the successful apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of four bakkies; two passenger vehicles and a truck. A further two vehicles could not be salvaged due to the dense bush. The suspects aged between 27 and 33 were detained at the Maphumulo police station. They will be charged for possession of suspected stolen property and will appear in the Maphumulo Magistrates Court soon. An investigation to link the suspects to a number of robbery and theft of motor vehicle cases is on-going.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula applauded security forces involved in the successful operation and encouraged similar operations to curb criminal activities and arrest wanted suspects.
