Deadly Durban chase suspects tied to luxury car thefts, spate of house robberies

The suspects involved in Thursday’shigh-speed chase and shoot-outare allegedly linked to several crimes spanning across Ballito, Umdloti and Kloof. According to Marshall Security, the men were involved in several house break-ins and theft of high-end cars across Durban. “Working in coordination with Westville SAPS, Durban North SAPS and Umhlali SAPS, Over the past few months, members identified a group of suspects operating in these areas whose modus operandi involved breaking into residential properties in search of vehicle keys before stealing high-end motor vehicles,” Powell said.

He said when confronted by homeowners, the suspects would threaten to harm them. “In several incidents, the suspects reportedly resorted to violence, threatening victims with firearms or knives, tying them up, and fleeing with their vehicles,” Powell explained. He said security teams gathered extensive information on the men, andwere able to ascertain that the suspects were using a white BMW to pick up and drop off accomplices at target properties.

Powell said on Thursday, officers following up on intelligence and were led to the Kloof area. “The white BMW was spotted travelling at high speed along the M13 from Kloof towards Pinetown. “Members began following the vehicle.

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Upon the suspects realising they were being followed, the suspects began driving erratically at high speed toward the N3. During the pursuit, the suspects opened fire at the pursuing members where members then returned fire in the direction of the suspects,” he said. The chase ended at the petrol station across from the Pavilion shopping centre.

Powell said the driver exited the vehicle and tried to run. Security officers chased him and managed to apprehend him.

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