Watch: CPF heroes thwart armed gang ambush on Silverglen Drive: public warned to avoid road

COMMUNITY Policing Forum members risked their lives confronting an armed gang setting up roadblocks on Silverglen Drive, prompting an urgent warning for motorists to avoid the area at night.

Despite being shot at, the brave CPF members stood their ground against six attackers and cleared dangerous debris that could have caused accidents and facilitated robberies.

Vish Mudaly, chairperson of the Silverglen CPF, said a driver sent out an alert on Saturday night, after he spotted the gang of men blocking parts of the road with rubble and debris.

“When CPF members got to the area, we found some of the gang members lying flat on their stomachs on the side of the road, and some were between the debris, waiting to ambush an unsuspecting driver.

“It was a planned, armed ambush. A motorist saw the barricade and spotted several suspects suspects concealed in the bushes, positioned to attack passing vehicles. The motorist managed to get away safely and immediately alerted us,” said Mudaly.

“We immediately mobilised and urgent backup was requested from private security companies operating in the area. Only one security company gave feedback and advised a response time of 6 to 8 minutes. We realised this was a life-threatening risk to motorists and decided to act immediately.”

He said with no protective gear they went to the scene where the suspects opened fire on them.

“Despite coming under fire, our members stood their ground. The suspects subsequently retreated into the surrounding bush. Once the area was deemed safe, we cleared barricade,” he said.

“It is deeply concerning that the first private security responder only arrived approximately 13 minutes later. The CPF members were exposed to high risk while responding to a high-risk armed attack,” he added.

Mudaly said the incident highlighted the gap in response times from security companies.

He said it was concerning that despite numerous warnings, the public still used Silverglen Drive - which is a straight road from Havenside Drive to Croftdene - at night.

“It is alarming to note that residents are still using this route late at night with some even having young children in their vehicles. The CPF prevented what could have been a disaster for some motorists if they were ambushed.

“I give thanks to God for His protection over myself and my team during the incident.

“I also want to acknowledge and commend my team who stood their ground while under fire. Two of our youngest patrollers showed exceptional courage and discipline in the face of real danger.

“Special thanks goes to Desigan Reddy from Croftdene CPF, as well as the members of the Silver–Croft team, who mobilised rapidly to come to our assistance, assisted on scene, and remained with us into the early hours of the morning conducting continuous patrols along that stretch of road to ensure it remained clear and safe,” he said.

The Silverglen CPF issued a warning to the public after the incident.

“In the interest of the safety of all road users, we strongly advise against using the affected stretch of lower Silverglen Drive between 6pm and 6pm.

“This advisory will remain in place until the Silverglen CPF secures a committed private security partner to work alongside the police forum in restoring and maintaining safe passage along this route.

“Without the consistent backup of a security partner, the CPF’s ability to ensure a reasonable level of safety, as has been achieved in the past, is significantly compromised. This decision has not been taken lightly and is based solely on the current risk assessment following recent events,” Mudaly added.

Havenside CPF spokesperson, Rocky Naidoo, said: “Silverglen Drive is a road to hell. There are no street lights, hence it is very unsafe. We have continuously advised residents that it is not safe at night. There have been a number of incidents on this road.

“Criminals wait eagerly to rob motorists. No matter how effective the safety forum is, the public has to use alternative roads at night. The public must take heed that safety is more important than a quick route.”

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