Detectives from Serious and Organised Crime Branch have launched an operation to review and investigate a series of assaults and arsons in the southern suburbs believed to be linked to feuding crime factions.
On 18 August 2020 Zak's Pizza and Grill at O'Halloran Hill was destroyed by arson.
On 22 August 2020 Melt Hair Studio at Woodcroft was set alight, causing in excess of $1,000,000 damage to the business and surrounding premises.
On 20 October 2020 a man was seriously assaulted at Randell Road, Morphett Vale.
Three more serious assaults occurred on 23 October 2020 at Nunyah Avenue in Park Holme, Parramatta Drive in Morphett Vale and Seaford Rise.
Police became aware of the assaults after the four victims, who received serious head injuries, lacerations and broken limbs, presented at hospital. The victims have declined to provide police with details of the incidents.
Detectives believe these assaults and arsons are related and that all the parties involved are known to each other. It is believed the incidents started as a result of clashing criminal enterprises and have continued due to ongoing reprisals between organised crime factions.
Police are currently following several positive lines of enquiry.
A blue Holden Crewman ute has been linked to two of the assaults.
CCTV shows three persons of interest leaving the scene of the assault in Nunyah Avenue, Park Holme just after 4pm on 23 October and driving off in the blue Holden utility.
Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with an elderly man who is observed walking past the Nunyah Avenue premises and a woman who may also have seen the trio leaving the premises and returning to the blue ute.
Anyone who recognises any of the people in the CCTV or has any information about the arsons or assaults is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
