Latest news with #MornéSteffens
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
M4 takedown nabs syndicate behind break-ins across Ballito and Durban
M4 takedown nabs syndicate behind break-ins across Ballito and Durban A high-speed takedown on the M4 last Friday led to the arrest of six men believed to be behind a string of housebreakings along the North Coast and greater Durban area. The group – allegedly part of a sophisticated housebreaking syndicate – were apprehended during a coordinated operation involving Marshall Security's Special Operations Team, the Durban North Saps Trio Crimes Unit, Crime Intelligence and Durban North Crime Prevention. The arrests followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The suspects are linked to more than ten break-ins across Ballito, Salt Rock, Glenashley, La Lucia, Greenwood Park and Umbilo. According to Marshall Security, the group used professional tactics to access homes – climbing through roofs, disabling alarm systems and ransacking properties while residents were away. Stolen items typically included jewellery, laptops, safes, televisions, firearms and watches. Marshall Security began tracking the suspects on Friday when they entered Ballito. Officers followed their movements south toward Glenashley and La Lucia. Once their identities were confirmed, two vehicles were intercepted on the M4 near the Virginia off-ramp. A search uncovered housebreaking tools, gloves and backpacks filled with jewellery and watches, believed to be stolen. Investigations are ongoing, with police working to link the group to additional cases. Locally, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairman Morné Steffens confirmed a recent spike in opportunistic crime, particularly in Marion, Zen and Sandra Roads. 'A repeat offender, previously arrested several times, is suspected of several incidents,' said Steffens. 'This individual typically enters through unlocked doors or windows and flees before detection. In many cases, residents had failed to activate alarms or perimeter beams.' Vehicle theft is also on the rise, with high-end SUVs, particularily Toyota Fortuners, being targeted. Criminals reportedly gain access by removing front passenger windows. Steffens urged residents to be cautious about where they park and to invest in added security. Despite the increase in incidents, Steffens praised the partnership between police, private security, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the Neighbourhood Watch. 'Ballito is fortunate to have excellent security services and committed volunteers. However, our patrollers are stretched thin. We urgently need more residents to volunteer for just two hours a week or every second week,' he said. To get involved, visit Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police probe Ballito robbery after man held at gunpoint
A Ballito homeowner was held at gunpoint during an early morning home invasion yesterday in what authorities describe as a brazen robbery on Minerva Road South. The North Coast Courier reports that, according to Umhlali SAPS, three unidentified men, one reportedly armed with a pistol, entered the property at around 03:00. The robbers allegedly gained access through a sliding door that had been left open, surprising the homeowner who was working on his computer in the lounge at the time. The armed thief reportedly pointed the firearm at the homeowner and forced him to lie on the floor while the other two thieves ransacked the home. Numerous high-value items were allegedly stolen. In a possible lead for investigators, a power bank believed to belong to one of the robbers was left behind at the scene. The item has been retained by police for fingerprint analysis. No injuries or property damage were reported and no shots were fired. Emergency services and police responded promptly. This incident follows a similar non-violent break-in on Marion Road North on Saturday, between 20:00 and 21:00. In that case, a thief entered through a side sliding door while the homeowners were on the patio, stealing a wallet and a laptop without being noticed. CCTV footage from the Marion Road incident revealed a robber wearing Adidas shoes similar to those seen in previous cases. However, police noted a different modus operandi in the two incidents. Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morné Steffens confirmed a recent rise in burglaries and attempted break-ins in the area. 'We are very fortunate here with crime usually at a minimum. It's been blissfully quiet, until now,' said Steffens. He urged residents to remain vigilant, secure all entry points and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact Umhlali SAPS or the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch at Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- The Citizen
Ballito resident held at gunpoint in house burglary
A Ballito homeowner was held at gunpoint during an early morning home invasion on Tuesday, June 17, in what authorities describe as a brazen robbery on Minerva Road South. According to Umhlali Saps, three unidentified men, one reportedly armed with a pistol, entered the property around 3am. The robbers allegedly gained access through a sliding door that had been left open, surprising the homeowner who was working on his computer in the lounge at the time. The armed thief reportedly pointed the firearm at the homeowner and forced him to lie on the floor while the other two thieves ransacked the home. Numerous high value items were allegedly stolen. In a possible lead for investigators, a power bank believed to belong to one of the robbers was left behind at the scene. The item has been retained by police for fingerprint analysis. No injuries or property damage were reported and no shots were fired. Emergency services and police responded promptly. This incident follows a similar non-violent break-in on Marion Road North on Saturday, June 15, between 8 and 9pm. In that case, a thief entered through a side sliding door while the homeowners were on the patio, stealing a wallet and a laptop without being noticed. CCTV footage from the Marion Road incident revealed a robber wearing Adidas shoes similar to those seen in previous cases. However, police noted a different modus operandi in the two incidents. Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) chair Morné Steffens confirmed a recent rise in burglaries and attempted break-ins in the area. 'We are very fortunate here with crime usually at a minimum. It's been blissfully quiet, until now,' said Steffens. He urged residents to remain vigilant, secure all entry points and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact Umhlali Saps or the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch at Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
