The eight suspects accused of raping three security guards and making off with R280 000 worth of equipment at the Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal appeared at the Durban Magistrates' Court today. Their case was postponed and they were remanded in custody, following an incident that happened in the early hours of Monday at their depot in Merebank, south of Durban.

SWIFT ARREST

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said, "The suspects aged between 19 and 39 years, allegedly gained entry into the department's Merebank premises, held three male security officers hostage and helped themselves to valuables belonging to the state. The eight suspects, who were reportedly armed with firearms and knives, allegedly took turns to rape three security guards. The matter was reported to the police and on Tuesday afternoon the suspects were identified, cornered and taken in for questioning,". Netshiunda said the suspected robbers and rapists were arrested within 24 hours ofthey committing the crime and were identified during an identity parade while charged with business robbery and rape.

CAUGHT OFF GUARD

Netshiunda said they caught the suspects were in different locations but managed to corner them. "They could not resist arrest or try to manoeuvre their way out because we cornered them. We found them in groups in different areas. The police have their eyes and ears on the ground through intelligence, so criminals can no longer do as they wish, terrorising our communities," said Netshiunda.