Arrests rack up as SAPS clamp down on rampant crime in the New Year

THERE have been several arrests over the first few days of the year with SAPS arresting suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearms, fraud and common robbery.

On Tuesday, January 3, four suspects were arrested when SAPS members intercepted a robbery at approximately 10:30.

According to Durban Central SAPS spokesperson Captain Muzi Maphumulo, police were patrolling on the corners of Anton Lembede and Gardner streets in the CBD when they noted a suspicious vehicle parked near the bank.

“The members stopped and searched the vehicle and found unlicensed firearms in the occupants’ possession. The suspects were in a maroon Etios Sprint. When the initial investigation was conducted, it was established that the suspects were waiting for a possible target that was coming before depositing a large sum at the nearby bank,” said Maphumulo.

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SAPS seized a revolver and a pistol as well as 14 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and four rounds of revolver ammunition. The vehicle was also seized.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 42, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and unlicensed ammunition and detained at Durban Central SAPS.

“The detectives will also check for any possible linkage of the suspects to other crimes,” concluded Mapumulo.

In a separate incident on the same day, SAPS arrested three women on Somtseu Road near North Beach when they were caught withdrawing cash with multiple banking cards, including 32 Sassa cards. According to Maphumulo, the suspects were in possession of R60 370 in cash, 32 Sassa cards, nine Ithala cards, 10 Easy Pay cards, one Nedbank card, two Capitec cards, and four cellphones.

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This follows another incident on Sunday, January 1 when a Durban Central SAPS member arrested one suspect, aged 29, for wielding a firearm without a licence or permit.

According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Zanele Khomo, police were patrolling on Lower Marine Parade at about 10:45 when they saw two men fighting. As they approached, one of the men pointed a gun at the other.

“Members confiscated the firearm, and the owner failed to produce the licence. Upon searching the suspect with a firearm, members also seized a knife [which the suspect had in his] pocket,” explained Khomo.