Robbery kingpin arrested in takedown operation

VERULAM – The leader of a notorious gang operating out of the Verulam Central Business District has been arrested by Members of Reaction Unit South Africa. The kingpin known as Makhanda was arrested by Reaction Officers at 11:22 (Sunday) on Moss Street/Wick Street.

The Operation was planned by RUSA Officers following a spate of Robberies & Stabbings perpetrated by a gang led by Makanda. Several complainants/victims & businessman in the Verulam CBD made contact with the RUSA Operations Center seeking assistance in apprehending the gang that were terrorising the public.

Reaction Officers arrested several gang members in recent weeks. However, the gang leader evaded arrest and continued to rob & stab victims. On Sunday, a man was robbed of a machine worth R3500 & two mobile phones. A criminal case was registered via Verulam Cas 590/10/2024.

A second female victim also registered a criminal case Verulam Cas 553/10/2024 after she was robbed at knife point by the same gang. The 26 year old suspect was recently released on bail for Robbery and was sought for several crimes perpetrated daily in the Verulam CBD.

This morning Reaction Officers kept observation over the suspect for several hours and blocked both entrances/exits when he entered an arcade. After a brief foot chase the suspect was arrested. An Okapi knife, valuables & identity documents belonging to victims were found in his possession. The man is currently in custody at Verulam SAPS.