Durban police capture suspects linked to armed business robbery
Durban — Two men linked to a business robbery will make their second appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on October 10.
The men, aged 24 and 26, allegedly stole money, cigarettes and alcohol from a store on Romsey Grove in Durban North on September 20. They made a brief court appearance on Thursday. The case was remanded.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the Phoenix task team arrested the two men.
Netshiunda said it was reported that employees were performing their duties at a business premises when they were confronted by a group of armed men.
“At gunpoint, they robbed them of an undisclosed amount of money, cigarettes and alcohol. The suspects will be profiled to determine if they can be linked to other robbery cases.”
Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said that at approximately 5.48 pm on the day of the robbery, Marshall Security’s Emergency Dispatch Centre received a panic activation from the business premises.
Powell said their armed response officers and Special Operations Team were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the officers confirmed that a business robbery had just taken place. Armed suspects, driving a silver VW Polo hatchback and a white Toyota Etios, had entered the store, holding the staff and customers at gunpoint. The suspects made off with a large quantity of expensive alcohol and cash before fleeing in the getaway vehicles,” Powell said.
He said no injuries were reported but the victims were shaken. Greenwood Park SAPS began investigations. The victim support unit arrived on the scene to assist in counselling staff.
On Tuesday, information was received regarding the whereabouts of the suspects and the white Toyota Etios involved in multiple business robberies at liquor stores and pharmacies across Durban.
“Acting swiftly, Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team, along with SAPS Phoenix Trio Crimes, SAPS Provincial Crime Intelligence and Spar Investigations intercepted the white Toyota Etios in the Phoenix area. Inside the vehicle, officers found false number plates linked to the business robberies and security tags from stolen alcohol bottles,” Powell said.
“Further information from the suspect led the team to locations in Ntuzuma and KwaMashu, where one more suspect was apprehended, and several stolen goods from recent liquor store robberies were recovered.”
Powell added that the investigation was ongoing as authorities continued to follow up on the remaining suspects.
“Marshall Security remains committed to protecting businesses and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice, working closely with SAPS to deliver swift and effective results.”
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