Durban – Four armed suspects, who are allegedly linked to several armed robberies over the past few weeks in Pietermaritzburg, were arrested in a multidisciplinary operation on Friday.
Shaheen Suleiman, the owner of security company Magma Security & Investigations, said the suspects were allegedly involved in a spate of robberies in Alexandra Park, Pelham, Scottsville and Epworth.
“A group of four males using a blue Renault Sandero were robbing pedestrians, mainly targeting female students,” he said.
Suleiman said a blue Renault Sandero fitting the description was spotted by SAPS members at about 2pm on Friday.
He said the occupants of the car noticed the police and the vehicle sped away. Police said a high-speed chase then ensued.
Provincial police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said Alexandra Park police who were patrolling the area gave chase and were able to stop the vehicle on French Road. They then requested back-up.
Suleiman said Magma Security, Fidelity ADT and Trustforce Security responded.
“Two males alighted from the vehicle and started running towards a river. Members started chasing the suspects, who started shooting at the police. During the shootout one suspect was wounded,” said Ngcobo.
She said the injured suspect was taken to hospital for medical attention where he remains under police guard.
She said the remaining suspects were arrested on the scene by police and private security.
The four suspects, aged between 23 and 30, at this stage face charges of attempted murder and the possession of firearms and ammunition.
Ngcobo said cellphones were also recovered from the vehicle.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had robbed two victims at Pelham and Westgate (on Friday, September 16) and taken their cellphones,” she said.
The suspects are due to appear before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.