DUE to the recent high spate of crimes, namely house robberies, highjackings, housebreakings and other thefts being committed in the Bellair area, the station commander and members of the Bellair crime prevention unit embarked on a Zero Tolerance approach to these crimes.
Patrols targeting the reduction of these crimes had resulted in a successful outcome. On a day which might have seemed to be an opportunity for criminals to strike turned to being a day of doom and gloom for a few that were on the prowl.
“Information was received by the members of the Bellair crime prevention that a blue VW Polo with four occupants was seen driving around in the Seaview area. These occupants were suspected to have been committing house breakings and house robberies. While the members patrolled the Seaview area, they came across this suspicious VW Polo along Medway Road parked on the side of the road, A registration check was done and revealed that the number plate belonged to a Honda Swift . It was noticed that there were four male occupants fitting the description from the information given. When these occupants noticing the marked police vehicle, they immediately made their move and began driving off in the direction of Sarnia Road towards the M7,” said W/O Prakash Kumar.
The officers went in pursuit to stop the car in an attempt to search it. The driver failed to stop upon instruction. It was then that the officer called for assistance from another crime prevention vehicle. By this time the car had increased speed and already entered Umbilo Road from the M7. The police officers in pursuit of the car led them into Gale Street where the robbers knew that they were outnumbered and finally decided to stop on the side of the road.
The four robbers were from Ntuzuma and were in Seaview to visit a friend of which the address was conveniently unknown to them. The whereabouts and name of the friend was also unknown by them.
“They were subsequently charged for being in possession of property suspected to be stolen. Two of the men were found to be wanted on charges in KwaMashu and Durban Central for illegal possession of firearms and theft. The vehicle’s correct registration plates lay hidden in the boot of the vehicle, while cellphones and balaclavas lay on the rear seat, readily available,” said W/O Kumar.
