Active policing yielded positive results when an operation between the Provincial Trio and Vehicle Task Team on Nandi Drive and Ntuzuma areas, held recently, netted one suspect and saw the recovery of firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles.
The team conducted a stop and search on Queen Nandi Drive near Quarry Heights when they spotted a vehicle with one occupant. Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said: “Upon searching the vehicle, the driver was found with a pistol with eight rounds of ammunition.
The firearm was found concealed in a tote bag. His licensed firearm was also seized by police. A 52-year-old driver was placed under arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.”
“The team also went to Ntuzuma area where they were conducting static duties. While they were busy, they spotted two vehicles travelling on the road. Upon seeing the police, both vehicles split into different directions. The police officers realised that one of the vehicles was hijacked in the Berea area on the same day on Cowey Road. A chase ensued and shortly afterwards, shots were fired at the police officers. The K9 unit was also contacted.
The suspect’s vehicle crashed and suspects escaped, leaving three firearms behind. Police recovered two pistols, a gas gun and 11 rounds of ammunition. The suspects are still being sought by police. The same team also recovered another vehicle at Ntuzuma. The vehicle was found abandoned. It was taken during the house robbery in Newlands East,” Col Mbele added.
The arrested suspect appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, two suspects, aged 48, were arrested for kidnapping and extortion during a multi-disciplinary operation after they held a man hostage and demanded a R10 million ransom.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said it is alleged that on 8 July at 5.38pm, a 60-year-old male victim was leaving his business premises on Umgeni Road in Durban when he was accosted by four armed unknown males and forced into their vehicle.
“He was held hostage for seven days when the family received a ransom demand of R10 million for his release from the suspects after the kidnapping,” she said.
She added that on 10 October police received information tracing the money to a family trust in Bloemfontein.
“An operational plan was put in place and they proceeded to Bainsvlei in Bloemfontein where they arrested two suspects. Police seized electronic items, two rifles, a 9mm firearm which were used in a commission of crime for investigation. The investigative team is still looking for the remaining suspects which were part of the kidnapping,” said Col Mbele. The two suspects appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court for charges of kidnapping and extortion.
