Members of the Marshall Security Special Operations Team (SOT), have disrupted an organised criminal group believed to be responsible for multiple house robberies, house break-ins, and theft of high-end motor vehicles across several areas including Ballito, Umdloti, Kloof, and Westville areas.
Working in coordination with Westville SAPS, Durban North SAPS and Umhlali SAPS, Over the past few months, members identified a group of suspects operating in these areas whose modus operandi involved breaking into residential properties in search of vehicle keys before stealing high-end motor vehicles. In several incidents, when confronted by homeowners, the suspects reportedly resorted to violence, threatening victims with firearms or knives, tying them up, and fleeing with their vehicles.
Following extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance operations, members identified a white BMW used by these suspects to transport and drop off accomplices at targeted properties.
On 12 March 2026, at approximately 02h00, members acted on information which led them to the Kloof area. At approximately 04h30, the identified BMW, was spotted travelling at high speed along the M13 from the Kloof area toward Pinetown.
Members began following the vehicle. Upon the suspects realising they were being followed, the suspects began driving erratically at high speed toward the N3. During the pursuit, the suspects opened fire at the pursuing members where members then returned fire in the direction of the suspects.
The pursuit continued along the N3 at extremely high speeds until the suspects exited at the Pavilion off-ramp and then entered a petrol station near a well-known Shopping Centre.
The driver and a rear passenger exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Members gave chase and successfully apprehended the driver. The rear passenger fled toward the side of the premises and jumped over a wall, unaware of the steep drop on the other side. The suspect fell and sustained severe injuries and was later declared deceased.
Upon securing the vehicle, members discovered another suspect in the front passenger seat who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. A unlicensed firearm was recovered.
Further investigation revealed that the BMW was fitted with false registration plates. Members also recovered a signal jammer and various housebreaking implements inside the vehicle.
Investigations have linked the suspects to multiple cases across the Kloof, Westville, Ballito areas including the recent house robbery that occurred at Boundary Lane, Salt Rock as well as Bellamont road, Umdloti.
Further investigations and follow-up operations remain ongoing.
This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing, proactive coordinated operations between private security and SAPS, and the continued commitment to disrupting organised criminal networks targeting communities across KwaZulu-Natal.
Marshall Security would also like to extend a huge thank you to Westville SAPS and Umhlali SAPS for their hard work, dedication, and assistance in this matter.
