Durban motorists and residents are being urged to stay alert as a string of hijackings, armed robberies, vehicle thefts and shootings reported across the city in recent weeks has left several suburbs on edge.
From Sydenham and Mayville to Bonela, the Berea, Asherville, Newlands and neighbouring areas, recent incidents and security alerts point to criminals targeting motorists, businesses and homes, sometimes in broad daylight.
Security alerts shared with the Weekly Gazette warn of a suspect linked to multiple residential theft incidents in Morningside, Overport and Musgrave, while another alert reported a hijacking outside a school, sending a chilling message to parents, learners and motorists.
The latest incidents come after a series of serious crimes reported across greater Durban over the past two weeks.
On August 13, a man was shot during a hijacking outside his home in Reservoir Hills and later died in hospital. Reports indicated that he had driven into his garage when he was followed by another vehicle, before the attack took place.
A day later, on August 14, an armed robbery was reported on Bulwer Road in the Berea area. A security response led to the interception of a vehicle and the recovery of a firearm and stolen property, with the suspect allegedly linked to two separate robbery cases.
In Mayville, police arrested two suspects on August 13 after they were allegedly found dealing in drugs and in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The concern is not limited to one suburb.
On August 22, a customer was critically wounded after being shot twice during an armed robbery at a shop in the Springtown area of Ashleyville, close to Asherville. Armed suspects allegedly entered the store, held up those inside and fled with valuables.
The following day, August 23, the Blue Security crime map recorded an armed business robbery in the Berea-Mayville area, while the platform continues to track incidents by location, date, time and crime category.
In Bonela, the threat of serious violent crime was again highlighted on Monday night when police arrested two men after recovering an AK-47 rifle and four loaded magazines from a vehicle at the Bonela sports field. As officers transported the suspects, they were allegedly followed and came under heavy gunfire from other suspects. Police said the men had indicated that another rifle was expected to be delivered for a planned cash-in-transit robbery.
Vehicle-related crime also remains a major concern in the wider Durban area.
Recent reports have highlighted suspects allegedly linked to vehicle thefts in areas including the Berea, Umbilo and Mayville, while security operations have repeatedly uncovered car-breaking equipment, false number plates and devices allegedly used in vehicle theft.
For residents in Sydenham, Sherwood and surrounding suburbs, the latest reports add to growing anxiety, particularly as criminals appear to be moving easily between neighbouring areas.
The incidents in Morningside, Overport and Musgrave have also raised concern about residential theft, with the suspect in the security alert allegedly gaining access to properties by scaling perimeter walls and moving between adjoining premises.
The latest incidents do not, on their own, establish an official citywide increase in crime. However, the concentration of recent hijackings, armed robberies, vehicle-related crime and shootings across several Durban communities is adding to residents’ fears.
For motorists, the warning is clear: remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when arriving home, stopping near schools, shopping centres or businesses, and entering or leaving driveways.
Residents are also being urged to report suspicious people and vehicles immediately.
With criminals appearing to target both residential and public spaces, Durban communities are once again being reminded that situational awareness could be the difference between becoming a victim and avoiding danger.
