Crime fighting forces converge on Assagay armed gang wanted for 20 housebreakings

Strong teamwork by Blue Security, local neighbourhood watch groups and the police led to a shootout and the successful recovery of various household items stolen in an earlier housebreaking in the Assagay area, outside Durban on Sunday morning.
Russell Lawson, tactical ambassador for the Highway Area commended the combined cooperation and manpower of the various parties involved in the high-speed chase which took place in the Highway and Inanda area. The incident began when an alert was received mid-morning from a technology hub in the Highway area, of a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood – “one that has been monitored for some time”, added Lawson.
Teams were mobilized in an attempt to apprehend the car “as it was clear that the occupants of the vehicle were up to something,” he said. At around midday the vehicle was spotted again and the Blue Security community command centre received a request from the neighbourhood watch for backup. “One of our vehicles responded and during the chase which ensued was involved in an exchange of gunfire with the suspects,” said Lawson. One neighbourhood watch team member continued to pursue the suspicious vehicle and followed it as it made its way into the Inanda area.
During the high-speed chase the suspects’ vehicle collided with another vehicle. The second vehicle overturned and the suspects continued to flee. Two SAPS officers – who had been alerted earlier and were waiting on motorcycles on the Inanda roadside near Inanda Dam – were also involved in the pursuit of the gang members. Multiple K9 units were dispatched to the scene where the suspects had escaped on foot. It was evident that one of the suspects had been injured in the exchange of gunfire and a spoor was picked up by the dogs.
A firearm was discovered on the trail, with the serial numbers filed off, as well as an abandoned bag. Various household appliances and a school bag were also found in the abandoned vehicle which were then identified as stolen in the housebreaking which took place earlier. “It is presumed that the suspects had jumped into a passing taxi and fled the scene. This gang is wanted in connection with at least 20 housebreaking incidents in the area,” Lawson added.
“Although no arrests were made today, the incredible teamwork and unity – between the local neighbourhood watch teams, our reaction officers and communication base and SAPS officers and K9 units – must be commended. I tip my hat to the bravery shown by local neighbourhood watch team members who put themselves out there to increase security of the area.
Our reaction officer who pursued the gang must also be commended for carrying out such a sterling job under immense pressure from the armed gang firing shots on him during the chase. The latest surveillance technology and communication on the ground is sending out a strong message to the criminal element that they are being monitored and will be dealt with accordingly if observed in the area,” Lawson said.