The community of Mountview is breathing a sigh of relief after a notorious trio gang which has been terrorising the community for months was arrested last week.
The gang was being sought for a number of crimes including robbery, house break-ins and theft. It is alleged that they had threatened to assassinate residents if they had registered criminal cases or provided law enforcement with information regarding their whereabouts.
In the latest incident, the suspects poisoned the dog of a Mountview resident after he encouraged his employee, who was robbed of his valuables by the gang on the R102, to register a criminal case. After receiving information that the victim’s employer was attempting to locate the gang, the suspects proceeded to his residence where they stabbed his dog in an attempt to intimidate the complainant.
Speaking to the Tongaat and Verulam Tabloid, Mountview Community Policing Forum PRO Dinen Kisten, who has a passion for crime and love for animals, said he was determined on catching the suspects for the act of animal abuse.
He said: “Patrols were put on hold by CPF chairperson, Clive Moodley in the Mountview area so that we could monitor their movements more closely as we had an operation planned to nab the suspects who were terrorising the residents. We worked with Verulam SAPS and RUSA in a joint operation and with close obeservation we were able to make the arrest of the first suspect in Mount Vernon. Mr Balram took off with the R44 chopper at 11.02am on Thursday, 30 March, from RUSA head quarters for air support. Reaction officers including Verulam SAPS mobilised to Mount Vernon after two more suspects were spotted. Shortly after entering the area suspects spotted the chopper and ground crew which led to a foot chase. The suspects were then arrested.”
Kisten added that the Mountview CPF is grateful for Mr Balram, Captain Mark Prakasim, Warrant Officer Tony Indarjee and Sgt Padayachee for working closely with them.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa spokesperson, Prem Balram, it was an intelligence driven operation where reaction officers and members of the Verulam SAPS converged on Riet Road in Riet River where they spotted one of the sought after males. Balram said a lengthy foot chase ensued when the suspect fled on foot after he noticed approaching officers.
“Officers from both organisations convened and planned a second operation to nab two more men who were confirmed to be part of the gang terrorising the community after they were spotted in Riet River and the Parkgate area. Reaction officers and SAPS officers kept observation in an unmarked vehicle until the suspects were spotted. Both men attempted to flee when the aircraft hovered over them. The suspects fled into a nearby home in an attempt to evade arrest. Officers surrounded the home and a team entered the residence and apprehended both men after a brief struggle,” he said.
Balram added that one of the suspects confirmed that he was released from Westville Prison after serving a three year sentence for murder. “The three men have been linked to five cases of robbery and four Housebreakings. Residents in the area cheered and welcomed the arrest, complaining that the men had been tormenting and intimidating them for a while. The suspects were injured during the arrest,” Balram said.
Verulam SAPS communications Officer, Constable B Ngcobo, confirmed that the suspects were arrested for robbery and that they will appear in court soon.
