Скачать или смотреть Cellphone Snatching Incident January 2026 Results in Arrest in Durban North

On 11 February at approximately 18h15, while conducting routine patrols along Mackeurtan Avenue, Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team (SOT) observed a white Toyota Etios parked near a well-known bar in Durban North, with its hazard lights activated.

The vehicle immediately raised suspicion due to its unusual positioning, the behaviour of its occupants, and a modus operandi commonly associated with cellphone snatching incidents. SOT members discreetly positioned themselves to maintain observation without alerting the suspects.

While under observation, the rear passenger exited the vehicle and approached nearby shops. Moments later, he attempted to snatch a cellphone from a member of the public. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspect immediately fled back toward the Etios, which had repositioned itself facing Adelaide Tambo Drive, seemingly preparing for a rapid escape.

As soon as the suspect re-entered the vehicle, the driver attempted to flee the scene. SOT members, together with Durban North SAPS Crime Prevention, initiated a pursuit and successfully stopped the vehicle at the corner of Adelaide Tambo Drive and Mackeurtan Avenue. All three occupants were apprehended without further incident.

Members returned to the area in an attempt to locate the victim of the attempted cellphone robbery; however, the victim had already left the scene and no contact details were available.

All three suspects, together with the vehicle, were transported to Durban North SAPS for further processing. Further investigation, including the review of footage, confirmed that the same suspects were linked to a previous robbery in January on Millennium Boulevard in the Umhlanga Ridge area, with a case registered at Durban North SAPS.

The attached video footage is from the January incident and clearly demonstrates the suspects’ modus operandi, where they target unsuspecting members of the public before attempting to flee the scene in a waiting vehicle.

This incident highlights the importance of intelligence-led patrols and coordinated law enforcement response in preventing violent crime. Marshall Security commends its SOT members for their vigilance, professionalism, and decisive action, and acknowledges the support of Durban North SAPS in ensuring the suspects were safely apprehended and held accountable.