Three suspects sought for a spate of crimes ranging from Business Robbery, House Robbery & Housebreaking were nabbed in a Joint Operation between Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) & the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The notorious trio terrorised the community and threatened to assassinate them if they registered criminal cases or provided Law Enforcement with information regarding their whereabouts. The suspects poisoned the dog of a Mountview – KZN resident last week after he encouraged his employee to register a criminal case. He was recently robbed of his valuables by the gang on the R102.
After receiving information that the victim’s employer was attempting to locate them himself, the suspects proceeded to his residence where they stabbed his dog (picture 4) earlier yesterday in an attempt to intimidate the complainant. The dog survived the attack.
In an intelligence driven operation, Reaction Officers & members of the Verulam SAPS converged on Riet Road in Riet River yesterday (Wednesday) and spotted one of the sought after males. He fled on foot after he noticed approaching Officers. A lengthy foot chase ensued which resulted in his arrest.
This morning (Thursday), Officers from both organisations convened and planned a second operation to nab two more men who were confirmed to be part of the gang terrorising the community after they were spotted in Riet River & the Parkgate area.
During the planning the RUSA Pilot flying the Robinson R44 Helicopter was to intercept the suspects while at the exact same time the vehicle will converge on the area and block of all escape routes. Reaction Officers & SAPS Officers in an unmarked vehicle kept observation over the area until the RUSA Helicopter spotted the suspect from approx. 500 meters away.
Both men attempted to flee when the aircraft hovered over them. The Pilot in Command directed ground crews to their location while he flew low level over the property. The suspects fled into a nearby home in an attempt to evade arrest. Officers surrounded the home and a team entered the residence and apprehended both men after a brief struggle.
On of the suspects confirmed during an interview that he was released from Westville Prison in Kwazulu Natal after serving a three year sentence for murder. The three men have been linked to five cases of Robbery and four Housebreakings. Residents in the area cheered & welcomed the arrest, complaining that the men had been tormenting & intimidating them for a while.
The suspects were injured during the arrest.
Notorious Suspects Nabbed In Joint Operation: Riet River – KZN https://t.co/bQjQgcuUl2 #ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/KWfkyA8220
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 30, 2023