Task team foils armed robbery after receiving a tip-off

SAPS and the task team have been applauded for taking swift action.

July 2, 2020

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Two suspects are taken into custody by law enforcers - image submitted by Ithemba Security.

A foiled armed robbery on Sunday has left one suspect dead and five others behind bars.

A tip-off claiming a group of suspects was planning a break-in at Theku Plaza, spurred members from various law enforcement units to form a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Ithemba Tracing Team, KwaZulu-Natal Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response Teams from Ladysmith and Ulundi.

The different task team members were deployed at tactical points at the centre.

An Ithemba Security representative (who has requested to not be named) said intelligence received indicated the suspects were planning to loot a store of cash and cellular devices. Mayhem erupted when the task team confronted the armed suspects and surrounded them.

A shootout ensued, leaving one of the suspects dead. Three other suspects fled while two more were arrested at the scene.

“An unlicensed firearm, grinders, grinding discs and various break-in tools were recovered at the scene and have been booked in as evidence,” said the Ithemba Security source.

The three suspects who managed to escape the scene were tracked down the following day, by SAPS Amajuba Cluster Tracing Team members and the district’s Operation Fiela Task Team.

“We can confirm the incident took place at Theku Plaza on June 28,” said Head of Communications for Examplar REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), Gayle Crow. “Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further as it is an ongoing investigation.”

Crow stated the company was co-operating fully with all parties involved and commended local SAPS and Crime Intelligence for the ‘excellent and professional manner in which the situation is being handled’.

“We would further like to assure the community of Theku that their safety, as well as the safety of our customers and tenants, remain our top priority,” added Crow.

Madadeni SAPS was contacted for comment through a central liaison person, and response will be published as soon as it is received.