By Kaya 959 News
KwaZulu-Natal police interrupted a cleansing ceremony and arrested seven suspects wanted for a number of robberies in the province.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said the gang allegedly robbed a business in Upper Tugela in Bergville.
Mbele said the men allegedly made off with an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing the scene.
“The matter was reported to police and a case of robbery was opened. Okhalamba police received information that the suspects, who were traveling in two vehicles, were seen at a traditional healer’s residence for cleansing and protection,” she said.
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Officers went to the traditional healer’s homestead in KwaDukuza where they spotted the vehicles.
“When police approached the men, they ran towards the Woodstock dam and jumped inside. Five suspects were arrested in the river and two suspects were arrested at the homestead.
Mbele said, “a 9mm pistol and folded packet from a security company were recovered at the traditional healer’s place of residence”.
Links to other cases
Police believe the gang could also be linked to two robberies in Ladysmith and Winterton.
“On 5 July, a group of armed men entered a shop on Springfield Road in Winterton and demanded cash and cellphones from the employees.
“At gunpoint, they removed cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled in their gateway bakkie. A case of robbery was opened at the Winterton police station for investigation,” Mbele said.
In another incident on the same day, security guards were accosted while travelling on the R616.
“Suspects shot at the guards’ vehicle and then ordered the guards to open the vehicle. The men took the guards’ service firearms,” she said.
The gang allegedly blew up the back of the van and made off with an undisclosed amount of money.
“Thereafter suspects sped off in their getaway vehicle with an un-disclosed amount of cash. A case of robbery was opened at Ladysmith police station for investigation,” Mbele said.
The gang is due to appear in court on charges of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.



