Umbilo police swoop on armed robbers, seize firearms

Umbilo police and officers from the SAPS National Intervention Unit swooped on five suspects and seized firearms and ammunition on suspicion they were planning a robbery in the area.

SAPS regional spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said police had made the arrests on Tuesday night after receiving a tip off about a group of men, who were armed with firearms, seated in a stationary vehicle. The vehicle was parked in Helen Joseph Road in Glenwood.

“It was reported that the men were planning to commit a robbery.  An operation was put in place and the police officers from the National Intervention Unit also joined the operation. The team proceeded to Helen Joseph Road in Umbilo where a stationary vehicle with five men was spotted,” Mbele said.

“The suspects attempted to flee the scene upon seeing the police officers but they were surrounded. Upon searching the suspects, they were found in possession of a 9mm pistol as well as gas pistol and a gas rifle. Police seized eleven rounds of ammunition. The arrested suspects will be profiled to check if they are linked to other serious and violent cases,” Mbele said.

The five suspects, who are aged between 24 and 34 are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning where they will face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The latest arrest is one of several successes reported by the Umbilo SAPS in recent months.

In an earlier incident in Umbilo police arrested another gang of armed robbers who appeared to be staking out a fast food outlet in Rick Turner Road.