The arrest of four suspects linked to a string of business robberies across Pietermaritzburg has dealt a significant blow to crime in the city, even as police warn that incidents targeting businesses remain on the rise. A joint team comprising RZS Protection, Mi7 National Group, Mountain Rise and Pietermaritzburg Central police stations, along with the district crime intelligence unit, arrested the suspects following a robbery at Ackermans’ cell phone store at Selgro Centre on Sunday. The suspects, aged between 39 and 49, were found in Site 11, Claridge.
Business robberies, particularly in the city centre and the Raisethorpe CBD, are increasing, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urge businesses to report crimes and suspicious activity and to strengthen their security measures. uMgungundlovu district SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala said it was difficult to ascertain the exact cause of the spike in business robberies as various factors could contribute to the increase. Criminals are often motivated by a variety of factors such as opportunity, desperation, or because they identify a high-value target.
Gwala said the prevalence of drug use in the CBDs often fuels crime as users look to fund their habit. To curb the trend, SAPS has formed several multi-disciplinary teams to tackle the problem. Gwala said the suspects are believed to be linked to several business robbery cases, with investigations ongoing to determine whether they are connected to additional incidents.
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Three gas guns — non-lethal weapons that propel projectiles such as plastic BBs or rubber balls and resemble real firearms — were recovered, along with a silver VW Polo used in the crimes and stolen property from Ackermans. “All exhibits have been booked into SAPS 13, and the vehicle has been impounded for further investigation,” Gwala said.
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