Durban jewellery heist suspects appear in court
Four suspected robbers thought to be behind a string of jewellery heists at a number of Durban shopping centres are behind bars and will remain there at least until their next court appearance.
They were arrested on Saturday while apparently on their way to hit yet another jewellery shop - this time at Musgrave Mall.
The Hawks say they received a tip-off about a planned robbery at the centre and officers from various units were immediately dispatched, tracing the suspects to the M25.
Hawks provincial spokesperson, Simphiwe Mhlongo says Sicelo Ntanzi, Mxolisi Sibeko, Siyabonga Magagula and Holisizwe Mlazi were in the Durban Magistrate's Court today.
"All suspects were cornered in one of the service stations in Durban North and they were subsequently arrested. They were found in possession of four firearms. The men appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrates Court. They will reappear on July 1," he said.
Last week, Narandas jewellery shop at Gateway was targeted on Wednesday morning with the thieves making off with two boxes of jewellery and cash.
Earlier this month a group of armed robbers stormed Beverly Jewellers at Pavilion and took only jewellery, firing shots as they fled the mall.
Hardwick & Mazzoni Jewellers at Westville Mall and another shop in Phoenix also fell victim last month.
Mhlongo says they are in the process of establishing whether the suspects in custody are linked to the recent robberies.
(File photo: Getty Images)