At approximately 04h17, the Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre received a distress call from a guest at a well-known bed and breakfast along Ridge Road, Umhlanga, reporting a housebreaking in progress.
Despite the property not being equipped with an alarm system, Marshall Security Armed Response Officers immediately responded to investigate, while Durban North SAPS were also dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers spotted a suspect crawling near the front door. Officers immediately jumped over the front gate, prompting the suspect to flee towards the rear of the property. A pursuit ensued, with officers successfully apprehending the suspect just as he was about to climb over the rear boundary wall.
A search of the suspect resulted in the recovery of clothing valued at approximately R12,000, along with more than R3,500 in cash concealed in his pockets and socks.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly gained entry to the guesthouse at approximately midnight by forcing open the burglar bars on a window.
According to the complainant, the suspect had allegedly spent approximately four hours inside the premises, moving from room to room and selecting items to steal. Guests reportedly remained quiet and avoided confronting the suspect after discovering that he was armed with a knife and a hammer. Fearing for their safety, they waited until it was safe to contact Marshall Security for assistance.
Durban North SAPS arrived a short while later and transported the suspect to the police station for further processing and investigation.
The suspect is also believed to be linked to several recent housebreaking and theft incidents in the lower La Lucia and Umhlanga areas. These possible links remain subject to further investigation.
Marshall Security commends the alertness, courage and determination of the Armed Response Officers involved. Their immediate intervention and foot pursuit resulted in the suspect being apprehended before he could escape with the recovered property.
This incident once again demonstrates that our commitment extends beyond the properties we protect directly. Although the guesthouse did not have a Marshall Security alarm system, our officers responded to assist when help was needed, reinforcing our commitment to the safety of the broader community.
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