PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER APPLAUDS THE ARREST OF A MAN LINKED TO ROBBERY WHEREBY SAPS MEMBERS’ FIREARMS WERE TAKEN
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team for the outstanding work done after arresting a male suspect. The man is alleged to have been involved in a robbery incident at Siyabuswa on Sunday night, 20 February 2022 where two members of the police were robbed of their three official firearms (a rifle and two pistols) as well as some ammunition at gunpoint.
The man’s arrest comes as a breakthrough following an armed robbery incident whereby members of the police were under attack whilst on duty. It is said that the robbery was orchestrated and carried out by about five armed suspects at a certain fuel station in Kameel Rivier B near Siyabuswa around 20h30. It is further reported that when these men were done, they took the keys to a police vehicle and fled the scene with the robbed items. Luckily the two members escaped without any injuries.
The suspects then proceeded to Watervaal where they reportedly fired several shots and then hijacked a vehicle, a Mercedes Benz. Police pursued these suspects and found them at Leeufontein near Siyabuswa. A shootout then ensued between the police and the suspects however no one was reportedly injured. The suspects then drove off with the said Mercedes Benz.
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Respective cases were then opened accordingly with a launch of the manhunt for suspects. A 72-Hour Activation Plan was immediately sanctioned by the Provincial Commissioner and thereby put in place. The plan yielded positive results as one suspect was followed up and arrested in Tembisa (Gauteng) on Monday, 21 February 2022.
During the arrest, police recovered one pistol as well as a revolver in his possession. The said firearms were seized as they will form part of the probe. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other crimes committed elsewhere. His case is now before the court.
Police are still looking for the remaining suspects and urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
