Security boss Kaylan Reddy from G4U Protection Services is fighting for his life at Mt Edgecombe Life Hospital after being shot multiple times during a shootout with suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers armed with AK-47s and other high-calibre rifles in Riet River last Wednesday.
KZN VIP spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said the incident unfolded after tracking specialists detected movement on a stolen vehicle taken several days earlier from the Durban North area. “The coordinated multi-agency operation in Verulam led to the arrest of one suspect, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the seizure of multiple high-calibre weapons and loaded rifle magazines. The vehicle was traced from Umlazi towards the Riet River area in Verulam, where security partners were immediately alerted and additional response units deployed.”
“As officers approached the suspects, they exited the stolen vehicle and opened fire on two security vehicles, injuring a security officer from a private security company. KZN VIP Ambulance Service responded rapidly, stabilising the injured officer at the scene before transporting him to a nearby medical facility for further care,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said the suspects fled into nearby bushland, abandoning the stolen white Toyota Cross near Siphesihle School in Old Phase, Trenance Park. “SAPS K9 Unit, Flying Squad and specialised task teams conducted an extensive search of the area, with air support from a helicopter and drone units. One suspect was successfully apprehended by the SAPS Task Team. The recovered vehicle contained over ten loaded rifle magazines and an additional high-calibre rifle.”
“This operation marked a significant breakthrough for law enforcement and security partners, demonstrating effective coordination and a rapid tactical response in apprehending armed suspects and recovering illegal firearms,” added Naidoo.
Reddy’s father, community leader Pastor Mervyn Reddy, said his family is shattered and devastated. “Kaylan was admitted to ICU and is awaiting further scans and procedures. He has been stabilised, and we are trusting God for a full recovery. No parent should ever have to see their child like this, we just want him to come home,” he said.
Pastor Reddy described Kaylan as a dedicated and hardworking protector of the community. “To know that he was gunned down while trying to stop criminals from terrorising the community is heartbreaking,” he added.
Acting Communications Officer at Verulam SAPS, Neresh Ragunath, confirmed the incident and the arrest. “Armed suspects linked to a stolen vehicle opened fire on security members in the Riot River area. One security officer was shot multiple times. A multi-disciplinary search resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of a high-calibre rifle, several loaded magazines and the stolen vehicle. Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are imminent,” said Ragunath.
The head of Reaction Unit South Africa, Prem Balram, issued a strong warning to criminals following the shooting. “If criminals think they can terrorise members of the community in the north, they are mistaken. We will not allow thugs with rifles to roam our communities. Every security company is on high alert and we are working shoulder-to-shoulder with SAPS. We will hunt and dismantle these syndicates,” said Balram.
Balram urged community members to report suspicious people and vehicles to law enforcement without delay.
