Durban murder suspect on the run arrested
A suspected Sydenham gang member wanted for murder and who had been on the run has been arrested with the assistance of the community.
The 24-year-suspect who is due to appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court this week is accused of shooting 45-year-old Dean Adams on Rippon Road in Sydenham Heights, last month.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker says Adams was shot in the back, several times.
"A case of murder was opened at the Sydenham police station for investigation. A rigorous police investigation together with the assistance of residents led to the arrest of the suspect," he said.
Residents have meanwhile likened Sydenham Heights to a war zone saying at least five people were shot in one month, three of them died.
Naicker acknowledges that locals have been living in fear amid a turf war between rival gangs, but he says that's about to end.
"Most of the problems in that area are as a result of drug dealing and turf wars between rival gangs in that area, that are dealing with drugs. We are very pleased that the community, who is now fed up with this activity, are working together with police to reclaim their streets," he said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula said: “I am pleased that the community who are fed up with gang-related activities linked to drug dealing in the area are working closely with police to reclaim their streets."
"Communities must jealously guard their territories and account for criminal incidents occurring in the areas they are guardians of. We are pleased to see that this is happening in Sydenham,” he said.
