Man arrested for Umgababa robbery
The man was arrested after a car chase that started near Lower Illovo.
A HIGH-speed pursuit, which took place on July 10, on the dusty roads of Nkwali near Lower Illovo, led to the arrest of a man who is believed to be part of a group of criminals that has been terrorising the community of Umgababa.
Also read: Lower Illovo community marches against crime
ET Rapid Response’s Tony Lokker said reports were received regarding a robbery in Umgababa on the day. The criminals were said to be travelling in a white VW Polo sedan.
“A description of the vehicle used by the suspects was obtained, which led to the mobilisation of ground teams. Members of the Isipingo Police Trio Task Team spotted the suspect’s vehicle travelling [on the R197] towards the Lower Illovo steel bridge,” said Lokker.
As the police members tried to pull the vehicle over, the driver failed to stop and sped on.
“Officers of ET Rapid Response Tactical Response Team, Community Crime Prevention Organisation, Amanzimtoti Police Crime Prevention Unit, Umkomaas Police, Umzinto Police K9 Unit, and the Umgababa Community Police Forum immediately responded to assist,” he said.
The pursuit ended when the suspects crashed their vehicle in the Nkwali area and its occupants alighted and fled into a dense bush. The officers managed to arrest one suspect, and a cellphone believed to be taken in a robbery was recovered in his possession. Two live goats were also recovered in the boot of the vehicle.
Commenting on various Umgababa social media groups, the community welcomed the arrest as there had been several incidents of a group of criminals travelling in a white VW Polo sedan committing armed robberies on pedestrians and robbing people in their homes in the area.
The arrested suspect, whose name is known to the SUN, is from Malukazi in Isipingo and was recently released from prison where he had been sentenced for other crimes. Lokker commended all the role-players involved in the arrest, saying investigations are ongoing to trace the outstanding suspects.
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