Police recover R4million in stolen fireworks at Phoenix temple
SAPS officers recovered R4 million worth of stolen fireworks at a temple in Phoenix yesterday.
The fireworks, intended for sale ahead of the Hindu Diwali festival, were linked to an armed robbery that took place in Camperdown just days earlier.
The robbery unfolded at a business premises in Camperdown, where armed suspects stormed the property, tied up security guards, and used two of their own trucks to steal trailers loaded with fireworks. The stolen goods were valued at approximately R4 million, and a case was opened at Camperdown SAPS.
Metro police spokesman Captain Carmen Rhynes said, acting on intelligence, members of the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team, with assistance from the Metro Drug team and SAPS Crime Intelligence, conducted a joint operation after receiving information about the possible location of the stolen stock.
“Their efforts led them to a Hindu temple in Phoenix, where three suspects were found offloading boxes from a hired truck. Upon inspection, the goods were confirmed to be the stolen fireworks from the Camperdown robbery, marked with the owner's branding.
“The three suspects, aged between 34 and 42, were arrested for possession of stolen property. Alongside the 560 cases of fireworks, valued at R4 million, the truck used in the crime, valued at approximately R700 000, was also seized. The SAPS Explosive Unit was called in, as fireworks are considered explosives under South African law.
“The owner of the stolen goods was present to positively identify the recovered items, and further investigations are under way to track down the remaining trailers and any outstanding stolen goods. Authorities expect more arrests in the coming days,”
Ethekwini District Commissioner Major General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa praised the officers involved for their swift and effective response, commending the team for recovering the stolen goods and arresting the suspects.
The three men are scheduled to appear in Verulam court tomorrow, where they will face charges of possession of stolen property. Additional charges related to by-law violations may be added.
“Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads, and further developments are expected in this on-going investigation,” said Captain Rhynes.
