ON Wednesday, 18 January the Ingwavuma SAPS conducted operations in the northern parts of the province to fight crime such as business and house robberies .
While out on patrol, the members received information about a business robbery taking place in one of the shops in the Ingwavuma CBD.
They responded swiftly, but found on arrival, the alleged suspects had fled the scene on foot with stolen goods such as cell phones and clothing.
Assisted by local community members, police traced the whereabouts of the suspects.
Within a few hours of the incident three suspects were arrested. They were found in possession of a 9mm pistol with live ammunition, 12 cell phones, watches and clothing allegedly stolen from the shop.
A vehicle assumed to be used as a getaway car was also discovered at the scene.
The accused were linked to house robberies committed in the area where cell phones, cash and other valuable items were taken.
The firearm will be taken for ballistic testing to establish if it was used to commit crime in other areas.
The suspects will appear at the Ingwavuma Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with business robbery, possession of stolen goods and possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal ammunition.
Acting police commissioner comments
The KZN Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Maj Gen Bheki Langa commended the police and the community members for the arrest of a group accused of terrorising the Ingwavuma community and business in the area.
‘The community policing partnership proved together we can conquer crime in our province.
‘I encourage community members to continue supporting the police in fighting the scourge by reporting any wanted suspects, as well as stolen goods to the police.
‘They must avoid buying stolen goods from criminals because by doing so, they encourage the culprits to continue committing more crime,’ Major General Langa said.
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