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PRETORIA – Nineteen (19) suspects are due to appear at the Verulam Magistrate
Court in connection with a series of the discovery of several explosive devices
in Durban as well as the deadly mosque attack in Verulam.
Between March and August this year, Durban and surrounding areas were plagued
with several incidents of placing and detonating of these devices including widespread
hoax callers.
The 19 suspects were arrested last week Friday in and around Durban by an integrated
team involving the Hawks (Crimes Against the State), Crime Intelligence, the Forensic
Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority including other departments from the justice cluster.
During the arrest various items were confiscated including a readymade incendiary
device. Members also managed to rescue a victim who was found chained and malnourished
inside a dungeon in one of the houses. The victim is under police protection in one of
the hospitals in the Kwazulu Natal province.
The suspects are likely face charges of murder, attempted murder, extortion,
kidnapping, contravention of the Explosive Act and arson. More charges cannot
be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, said “Government has deemed
the incidents very serious and they demanded a thorough investigation to bring
the perpetrators to book. Nothing will distract or divert our attention from
creating a safe and secure environment for all people of South Africa.
“I also want to reiterate the government stance and reassure South Africans
that we, as the South African Police Service, will continue to do everything
within our constitutional mandate to ensure that people are and feel
safe," said Minister Cele.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele welcomed the arrests of the 19 suspects
linked to incendiary devices and congratulated the multi-disciplinary team
for tirelessly working to ensure peace and stability is restored in
Durban,” Minister Cele concluded.
The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla Sitole and the National
Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya have added their voices
in congratulating the team.
Enquiries: Ms Reneilwe Serero: 072 492 0073
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi 0823732408
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