MTUNZINI SAPS on Monday arrested two suspects accused of a string of house break-ins and house robberies in the area.
The two are allegedly part of a gang which has tormented residents in the area for the past month.
It is reported that on Monday morning, a vigilant resident spotted a suspicious vehicle with three occupants, and when he approached them a gun battle ensued.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Illegal mussel harvesting in Richards Bay
Police spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, said that during the shoot-out, private security guards patrolling the area joined in, and the suspects abandoned their bakkie and fled the scene.
‘Police were alerted and when they arrived at the scene the suspects had already fled. One injured suspect was found not far from the scene and a stolen firearm was found in his possession.
‘He was rushed to hospital where he is under police guard. Mtunzini detectives together with Gingindlovu SAPS conducted an operation which led them to the Dokodweni area where they arrested a second suspect.
‘Our preliminary investigation revealed that the abandoned vehicle which was used by the suspects had been hijacked in the eShowe area,’ said Mdlalose.
‘It is alleged that last month, they broke into a house while the owner was asleep and stole his belongings and two firearms.
‘A few days later, they also committed a house robbery where they confronted their victim and at gunpoint they robbed him of three firearms, a bakkie and some household goods.
‘A stolen bakkie was recovered abandoned in Tongaat area outside Durban.
‘During Monday’s arrest of the first suspect, a stolen firearm was recovered. On the second arrest a lot of stolen goods from both houses were also recovered and we are currently looking for a third suspect,’ Mdlalose said.
‘The suspects are facing cases of house robberies, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, house break-ins and theft and hijackings.
‘They are expected to appear at Mtunzini Magistrate’s court soon,’ he said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
