Durban – Three suspects were arrested for alleged armed robbery and murder in a crime blitz in the Pietermaritzburg area of Mountain Rise over the weekend.
Mi7 National Group spokesperson Colin Davids said that on Saturday afternoon, just after 1pm, Mi7 armed response units were immediately dispatched after a business client on Dr Chota Motala Road, Darjeeling Heights, activated their alarm system.
“It is believed three suspects arrived outside the store in a Toyota Yaris. The victim had left his brush cutter outside the store while he went inside to make a purchase. One suspect allegedly exited the vehicle and snatched up the brush cutter.
“When the victim saw this, he tried to recover the item and an altercation ensued. The suspects made off with the brush cutter but one of them dropped their firearm in the altercation,” explained Davids.
He said that Mi7 armed response reaction officers arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and recovered the firearm.
“It is believed the suspects realised the firearm had been dropped, and two of them returned to the store to recover it, but instead found Mi7 reaction officers waiting. The reaction officer worked quickly to apprehend both suspects. The stolen brush cutter was also in their possession,” Davids said.
He said the suspects were handed over to the police and upon their arrival, Mi7 reaction officers joined SAPS Mountain Rise officers in a search for the third suspect.
Davids said that while following up on information, the search took officers to the Swapo area, where they cordoned off an area and began a door-to-door search.
“During the search, the team came across another man, not the suspect they were looking for, who immediately attempted to flee. When he was swiftly apprehended after a short chase, he was found in possession of a gas gun,” Davids said.
“It turned out that the police wanted the man in relation to a murder and robbery case in the Howick area.”
Davids said as management, they applaud the joint efforts of their team members and police officers in arresting the suspects.
“We have always maintained that it is only by working together can we root out crime in our communities, and this is a prime example of such,” Davids said.
Police had not commented by the time of publication.
Daily News