Breakthrough in pedestrian muggings following uMhlanga arrest
It is believed the suspect has been linked to 10 armed muggings in the area.
DURBAN North SAPS has hailed the arrest of an armed suspect on Umhlanga Rocks Drive who may be linked to a number of pedestrian muggings in the area.
The suspect was arrested by Excellerate Services last week after robbing a female pedestrian on the M41 (eastbound). According to Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North station, the suspect was apprehended and was found in possession of a knife and a stolen handbag.
“From the information we’ve received the suspect had held up the female pedestrian at knifepoint. He demanded her handbag and then fled on foot. The distraught woman managed to flag down a security officer from Excellerate and he chased and apprehended the suspect on Umhlanga Rocks Drive.
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“We welcome this arrest as we’ve worked closely with various organisations including the Ridge Management Association to try and stop these muggings targeting pedestrians,” he said.
It is believed the suspect has been linked to 10 armed muggings in the area but police could not confirm that stat saying investigations were ongoing.
Deokaran added there had been more than 15 cases in the last four months all involving armed robberies of pedestrians.
“We welcome the arrest and while the suspect may be linked to more cases we believe there may be other perpetrators as we’ve recorded cases in Durban North and uMhlanga. The robbers normally target lone pedestrians late at night or in the early hours of the morning. We are urging pedestrians, residents and visitors where possible, to walk in groups. We will continue to work with security companies and implement our own strategies to combat this crime and we are confident more arrests will be made going forward,” he said.
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