The swift action of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Umhlali, in the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has led to the arrest of five suspects wanted for a house robbery and kidnapping - just minutes after the crime had been committed.
The suspects were arrested on Friday after they allegedly terrorised a family of three at their home in Shakashead in the Umhlali Policing Precinct.
It is alleged that the five armed suspects entered the victims’ home, removed the safe from the bedroom wall and questioned the victims about the vehicles they owned.
They are believed to have terrorised the victims and assaulted them before taking one of the victims, a 32-year-old male, to withdraw money from a nearby ATM.
It is then that the victim’s mother immediately contacted SAPS Umhlali.
Within minutes, Umhlali Police responded and intercepted the suspect’s vehicle, approximately 100m from the crime scene.
All five suspects were arrested and the victim was rescued. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was recovered and the victims were taken to receive medical treatment.
All five suspects were charged for house robbery and kidnapping and will appear in KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.
ILembe District Commissioner Major General Anthony Gopaul commended the swift and decisive action of the SAPS Umhlali.
"Their rapid response and effective coordination led to the immediate arrest of these dangerous suspects and the safe rescue of the victim. This incident serves as a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime and bring perpetrators to justice. This successful operation reinforces the message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the iLembe District," Major General Gopaul said. – SAnews.gov.za
