Police have arrested a 26-year-old Malawian national in Verulam CBD, KwaZulu-Natal, in connection with a series of robberies.
A victim allegedly recognised the suspect near Todd Street by the railway station on Monday 2 June and alerted others, who then assaulted him before officers arrived.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a group made up primarily of foreign nationals had already begun assaulting the suspect by the time officers arrived.
The confrontation began when one of the robbery victims spotted the man and confronted him with the help of bystanders.
Robbery Involved Firearm and Child Witness
Two weeks ago, the suspect allegedly forced his way into a home in Southridge, brandished a firearm, and robbed a man of his cellphone in front of the victim’s minor daughter.
Since the incident, the victim had been searching for the suspect and recognised him in the Verulam CBD.
Replica Firearm and Robbery Links
During questioning, the suspect admitted to selling the stolen phone to a foreign national in Durban.
RUSA officers confirmed his involvement in at least three other robberies in Temple Valley.
Officers recovered the firearm used in the crimes, later identified as a replica blank gun.
Suspect Detained by Police
RUSA officers restrained the suspect and handed him over to SAPS Verulam, where he remains in custody pending further investigation.
Should authorities do more to stop repeat offenders in cases like this?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
