Three armed robbers were arrested by local crime fighters and police on Thursday and Friday, 21 and 22 January after a robbery in the Magabheni area. The suspects, using a red Datsun Go, held up a woman at gunpoint and robbed her of her cellphone and cash. Umkomaas SAPS crime prevention members proceeded to Magabheni and were informed that the vehicle was heading towards the N2 highway. The vehicle was spotted by SAPS members and upon attempting to intercept the vehicle, they sped towards the Danganya area. Additional Umkomaas SAPS members came from a different direction and seeing the police, the suspects reversed and opened fire at the police vehicle. Police members returned fire and the suspects headed back towards the Shell Ultra City. During the pursuit by SAPS, other members were informed through crime fighting networks. “The suspects’ vehicle was then found after a short while at Winkelspruit Beach, abandoned with bullet holes. After some time one of suspects returned with his family to pick up the car and he was immediately identified and arrested,” said ET Rapid Response South Coast managing member, Tony Lokker. READ ALSO: A follow-up led members to Umlazi, where the second suspect was said to be. Upon arrival at the location, a shootout occurred between members and the suspect, causing him to flee. “A 9mm pistol was recovered on scene and it was established that the firearm had not been reported as stolen. It belonged to one of the suspect’s father, who was subsequently arrested and detained for failing to safeguard a firearm.” Later that evening information was received that the suspect who fled in Umlazi had sustained gunshot wounds and was at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital. Members of SAPS integrated vehicle task team responded and arrested him. A follow-up operation the following day commenced for the last outstanding suspect, compromising of members from ET Rapid Response, Umkomaas SAPS Crime Prevention and Umzinto K9 led the team to N section in Umlazi. 
“It was established that the suspect had fled and went to a farm in Jolivet. All members proceeded to Jolivet, where the house was identified. The suspect was seen seated on the veranda, and upon seeing the members, he fled, ignoring commands to surrender. SAPS Umzinto K9 dog was utilised and the suspect was arrested. Well done to all the members, who put in a lot of effort and long hours in order to ensure that all suspects involved were arrested and stolen property recovered.” READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti crime-fighting veteran takes over the helm at CCPO 
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