During the early hours of this morning, 28th August 2013 at about 01:30, members of Pietermaritzburg - Serious and Violent Crimes, Flying Squad and K9 Units working on information received, were keeping observation on the N3 South bound near the Umlaas Road off-ramp. During this time the members spotted a Gold Toyota Run X, fitting the description of suspects that had committed a recent robbery in the Hilton area. Upon noticing the Police - the vehicle sped off and a high speed chase ensued. The members then managed to stop the vehicle and with the assistance of the Police dogs both the fleeing suspects were apprehended and placed under arrest. Police recovered a flat screen television, house hold goods, jewellery, clothing and cash in the vehicle. Police also established that the Toyota Run X was hijacked in the Newlands East area during July this year.
Subsequent investigations led Police to believe that the vehicle stolen during the robbery was en route to Durban. A short while after circulating the vehicle it was spotted on the M13 by the Durban Dog Unit, who after a short high-speed chase stopped the vehicle and arrested the 3rd suspect.
The items were positively identified as stolen during a house robbery that occurred in the Hilton last night Tuesday 27th August 2013. It is alleged that three(3) men, had entered the home of an elderly couple. The men thereafter assaulted the victims and tied-up them up and ransacked their home, taking a flat screen television, house hold goods, computer equipment, jewellery, clothing and cash and their blue Honda Jazz.
Police believe that the arrested suspects may be linked to another house robbery that occurred in the Hilton area on Saturday 24th August 2013, whereby an elderly couple were also assaulted and robbed. And also believe that they may be linked to a larger syndicate operating in the Durban and Pietermaritzburg areas.
Three(3) arrested suspects, aged between 22 and 26-years of age, will make a court appearance in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate's Court shortly.
Investigations continue.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended members of the Pietermaritzburg - Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Flying Squad and K9 Units for the speedy arrests and recoveries and for responding so swiftly and decisively to criminal elements in the area. " By immediately arresting these culprits we can ensure that they are removed from society so that they cannot repeat their criminal deeds again. We wish to send a stern warning to criminals to beware that police have adopted a zero tolerance approach to crime and any sort of criminal activities." said the KZN Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni.
News supplied by Hilton SAPS.