At approximately 09h06, the Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre received a report via a Crime Alert WhatsApp group of individuals making a fire along Woodford Grove in the Morningside area.
Marshall Security Armed Response Officers were immediately dispatched to investigate.
Upon arrival, officers observed two suspects burning copper cable. The individuals were also found in possession of copper piping suspected to have been forcibly removed from an air-conditioning unit.
When questioned regarding the origin of the items, both suspects fled the scene on foot, prompting an immediate coordinated response and backup request.
Additional Armed Response Officers responded to assist, and the suspects split up while attempting to evade arrest.
One suspect, together with the recovered copper material, was apprehended at the intersection of Umgeni Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.
The second suspect was later spotted on Umgeni Road by a Marshall Security Armed Response Officer. Upon noticing officers, the suspect fled towards the railway line. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was successfully apprehended.
Durban Central SAPS were notified and attended the scene shortly thereafter. Both suspects, together with the recovered suspected stolen property, were handed over to SAPS for further investigation and processing.
This incident highlights the importance of proactive patrols, rapid response, and coordinated teamwork in combating copper theft and protecting infrastructure within the community.
