Watch: Chatsworth high-speed chase ends with three arrests and vehicle-theft equipment seized

A screenshot of the video circulating on social media

Three suspects were arrested in Chatsworth after allegedly fleeing from security officers in a Haval Jolion linked to a vehicle theft "syndicate" in Hillcrest, according to Marshall Security.

The arrests followed a joint operation involving Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team (SOT), SAPS and several private security partners targeting suspected vehicle theft syndicates operating across Hillcrest, Westville, Chatsworth and surrounding areas.

According to Marshall Security, officers received intelligence about a silver Haval Jolion allegedly linked to the theft of a Toyota Fortuner in Hillcrest the previous day.

At approximately 11am, officers spotted the vehicle while conducting patrols in Chatsworth.

When they attempted to stop it, the driver allegedly refused to comply and sped off, triggering a high-speed pursuit.

During the chase, the occupants allegedly threw a bag and car-breaking implements out of the rear window before the vehicle pulled into a petrol station along RK Khan Circle.

“During the pursuit, the occupants threw a bag and car-breaking implements from the rear window,” Marshall Security said in its statement.

"The occupants abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Three suspects were apprehended following a brief foot chase."

Marshall Security said the search allegedly uncovered multiple vehicle computer boxes, car-breaking tools, a key-cloning machine and a signal jammer. Investigations also revealed that the vehicle had been fitted with false registration plates.

Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell said: “Officers recovered a key-cloning machine and a signal jammer from the silver Haval Jolion involved in the pursuit. The joint operation was specifically planned to target motor vehicle theft syndicates responsible for ongoing incidents across Durban and surrounding areas.”

"The suspects are believed to be linked to the Toyota Fortuner theft in Hillcrest, with investigations also focusing on their possible involvement in other vehicle theft incidents across the greater Durban area."

"All three suspects, together with the recovered exhibits, were taken to Chatsworth SAPS for further investigation and legal processing."

The operation involved the SAPS eThekwini District Tracing Team, Marshall Security SOT, ET Rapid Response TRT, Fidelity Investigations and Specialised Operations, Bidvest McCarthy Risk Management and Alpha Security.

South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal have been approached for comment.