Westville SAPS recover stolen loot at Spine Road crime scene
Being stuck in traffic this morning for quite some time added to motorists' woes as they headed to work. However, the crime scene did result in an arrest and the recovery of items by police. Traffic is flowing again on the roads outside the Pavilion.
IF you had trouble getting to work on time today, you were probably one of the many motorists that were caught up in the chaos on Spine Road, leading past the Engen Garage across from the Pavilion.
Police had closed off the lanes leading to the N3 from the Westillve Hospital to investigate a crime scene.
KZN SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane, confirmed that charges of attempted robbery and attempted murder are being investigated by Westville SAPS following the incident.
“Westville police officers were patrolling the area when they spotted a vehicle travelling at high speed,” said Zwane. “A chase ensued and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle near the service station. Five males alighted from the vehicle and there was a shoot-out.”
Zwane added that police dogs had been brought in to help with the search.
“The suspects ran into the bushes and are being sought by the K9 Unit. No injuries were sustained by police officers.”
ALSO READ: Help SAPS find missing KwaDabeka man
While a petrol pump attendant, who had just come on duty when the road was closed to traffic, said there had been an attempted robbery at the Engen garage, police on the scene were overheard refuting this.
One source at the scene said the police spotted a known gang and decided to follow them.
“When we put on the blue lights all hell broke loose,” said the officer who declined to comment on record as police are not allowed to make statements to the media.
He directed the Highway Mail to the KZN media centre for an official confirmation of the incident which was later provided by Zwane.
ALSO READ: High speed chase comes to crashing end in central Pinetown
A Highway Mail reporter at the scene at the time of the road closure posted a Facebook live video on the Highway Mail Facebook page to alert motorists to the situation.
https://www.facebook.com/highwaymail/videos/2217387908298815/
According to motorists, the scene had been cleared by 11am.
Cpt Elizabeth Squires, communications officer for Westville SAPS, said the investigation is ongoing although the crime scene has been cleared.
“A firearm was recovered in the bush where the suspects fled from their vehicle. A 22-year-old has been arrested by Westville detectives after following up on information,” said Squires, confirming that the suspect will be charged with attempted murder but that the investigation will continue.
“Various items were found in the vehicle the suspects were driving, including tools, a bolt cutter, cellphones, bags, jewellery and internet transmitters,” said Squires. “The members have been commended for their excellent work.”
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