A tip-off led to the arrest of two suspects wanted for hijacking and killing a motorist in Avoca Hills last month.
The suspects were arrested after they were spotted during a surveillance operation at the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court last week, leading to the uncovering of a spate of crimes.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said Greenwood Park police arrested two suspects aged between 27 and 30 for the murder of a 52-year-old man.
She said according to reports, the victim was seated in his vehicle when he was accosted by unknown people who shot him before driving away in his vehicle. He sustained a gunshot wound on the leg and was confirmed dead at the scene. His vehicle was recovered in the Maphumulo area.
“They are set to appear before the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court today, March 17, 2025,” Ngcobo said.
She added that the suspects will be profiled to check if they are linked to other cases.
Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said their Special Operations Team was alerted to a deadly hijacking in Avoca Hills on February 20.
It is alleged the incident involved three armed suspects who hijacked a blue Chevrolet bakkie before fleeing the scene. During the attack, the driver of the hijacked vehicle was shot and later succumbed to his injuries.
He said later that evening, the Greenwood Park SAPS Trio Crimes, together with a tracking company, located and recovered the hijacked vehicle abandoned in the Maphumulo area.
He also said a murder and hijacking case was opened at Greenwood Park SAPS after an extensive investigation and retrieval of CCTV footage.
“On March 13, 2025, Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team, together with Greenwood Park Trio Crimes and Newlands Trio Crimes, received a tip-off that the two suspects identified in the CCTV footage would be attending court for an unrelated case at Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court. Acting immediately, the team proceeded to the courthouse for surveillance,” explained Powell.
He said once the suspects’ identities were confirmed, the team moved in and apprehended them.
“During questioning, the suspects revealed the location of the firearm used in the hijacking and murder,” Powell said. “The team proceeded to a house in Inanda, successfully recovering the firearm used in the crime.”
Powell said further investigations also linked the suspects to another hijacking and murder in Quarry Heights, where a white Isuzu bakkie was hijacked.
When the suspects were questioned further on the matter, they said the vehicle was hidden in the Maphumulo area. The team located and recovered the hijacked vehicle.
“While at Maphumulo SAPS, officers confirmed that the two arrested suspects were also wanted for multiple serious crimes, including business robberies and murder in the Maphumulo area,” Powell said.
He added that the coordinated operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led investigations and rapid tactical responses to ensure dangerous criminals are brought to justice.
Powell also thanked all role players for their unwavering commitment to fighting crime.