In a swift response to a violent incident in uMhlanga, a suspect was apprehended following a stabbing and robbery incident.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said Durban North police arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the attempted murder of a 35-year-old man who was reportedly robbed and stabbed on Friday while walking along the M41 and N2 pedestrian bridge in uMhlanga. 

Marshall Security apprehended a suspect after reports of multiple stabbings and robberies on the M41 pedestrian bridge in uMhlanga. 

On Friday at approximately 6.30pm, Marshall Security’s Emergency Dispatch Centre received information about an armed robbery on the M41 pedestrian bridge from the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre Control Room.

Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said the suspect had stabbed and robbed the victim before fleeing towards the Phoenix area. 

He said the victim, who was found at the Gateway Taxi Rank, needed immediate medical attention and multiple reaction units from other security providers, Marshall Security’s armed response and Marshall Security’s special operations team responded.

“Upon arrival, members assessed the victim, who had sustained multiple stab wounds to his shoulder and neck, yet still managed to give a detailed description of the suspect,” Powell said. 

He said the details were distributed to all responding personnel. Further information about the suspect subsequently led security officials to Stonebridge Drive in Phoenix.

“Upon arrival, they observed a male matching the exact description of the suspect. The suspect was immediately apprehended,” Powell said.

He said Durban North police were contacted and arrived shortly. Additionally, officers confirmed that the suspect had previously been arrested for similar robberies and stabbings. A search of the suspect recovered the knife used in the crime. 

“At Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, where the victim was receiving treatment, he positively identified the suspect as the individual who had stabbed and robbed him,” Powell said. 

He said the suspect and all exhibits were handed over to Durban North SAPS for further processing and investigation.

“Members were made aware that multiple armed robberies had occurred on the M41 pedestrian bridge in the past month, during which victims were stabbed and robbed. Members will follow up on these robberies to further investigate and possibly link the suspect.”

Powell added that Marshall Security’s swift response, rapid intervention, and collaboration with SAPS underscore their commitment to community protection. This collective effort led to the apprehension of armed robbery suspects and ensured justice for the victims.

Durban North Community Police Forum public relations officer Darryl Oliver said: “The Durban North CPF is relieved that a suspect from the most recent robbery has been caught.”

Oliver said investigations are underway to determine if the suspect is linked to other incidents.

“Incidents like this highlight the importance of opening police cases, even if it was something like a snatch and grab, as cases ensure that the crime trend is flagged earlier before it escalates to more aggressive robberies. It also ensures that when a suspect or suspects are caught, there are more cases to possibly link to them,” Oliver said. 

He advised pedestrians to walk in groups when seeking transport away from the main ranks, to avoid walking alone in hotspot areas after dark, and to especially avoid walking with their phone in their hand, especially in high-traffic areas.

Meanwhile, KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said that on September 15, two suspects robbed and stabbed a call centre employee at knifepoint near the M41 in uMhlanga. The victim, who was leaving work, ran back to his workplace and was stabilised by paramedics before being taken to a medical facility.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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