Yesterday, at approximately 15h15, members of Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team and Durban North SAPS Crime Prevention were conducting proactive patrols along Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga, following an increase in criminal activity in the Umhlanga and Gateway areas.
While travelling southbound towards a shopping centre, members noticed two suspicious individuals running from the centre towards a green Hyundai i10, both carrying large blue packets.
At the same time, members noticed a member of the public chasing after the individuals and shouting that they were thieves.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, members immediately moved to intercept the vehicle. However, the suspects fled, driving through a red traffic light at the intersection of Lagoon Drive and Chartwell Drive before continuing towards Umhlanga Rocks Drive.
The suspects were subsequently forced to stop at another traffic light due to heavy traffic, allowing members of the Special Operations Team to position themselves behind the vehicle.
As members exited their vehicles and approached, the suspects attempted to flee once again, driving into surrounding vehicles in an effort to force their way through the traffic.
During the attempted escape, the suspects collided with and damaged several vehicles before their vehicle eventually came to a stop.
Members of the Special Operations Team immediately approached the vehicle and successfully apprehended all three occupants with the assistance of Durban North SAPS Crime Prevention.
A search of the vehicle by SAPS members resulted in the discovery of expensive liquor inside the large blue packets.
Further investigation established that the suspects had allegedly stolen the liquor from a store at the shopping centre after being confronted by the store manager.
The three suspects, together with the recovered liquor and their vehicle, were subsequently transported to Durban North SAPS for further investigation and legal processing.
Further enquiries also revealed that the suspects are believed to be linked to several other liquor store theft cases, including incidents reported in the Greenwood Park, Hillcrest and Amanzimtoti areas.
Marshall Security commends the vigilance and swift action of its Special Operations Team, whose proactive patrols and immediate response resulted in the successful apprehension of three suspects.
This incident highlights the importance of proactive crime prevention, visible patrols and swift intervention in identifying and apprehending suspects involved in criminal activity.
Through continued collaboration with SAPS, intelligence sharing and dedicated patrols, Marshall Security remains committed to combating crime and protecting the communities we serve.