THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER A FARM ROBBERY
Three suspects, aged 29, 29 and 43 were arrested today, Wednesday 07 September 2022 at Leslie after staging a robbery at a certain farm earlier around 07h30 am.
According to the information, the three male suspects went to the farm under the pretence of being potential customers of livestock. Once they were let in, the three held a 60-year-old female (farm owner) together with her helper hostage. It is further alleged that the helper somehow managed to escape however the owner was left alone with the suspects who allegedly assaulted her as well as stabbed her in the thigh.
The men are said to have robbed her of several items including an undisclosed amount of cash, an airgun, tools, a grinder, house keys, a bag, and other items before they fled the scene.
Police as well as local farmers in the area were alerted about the incident and at around 09h00 am the three suspects were swiftly cornered, two along the N17 Road whilst the third one was apprehended next to another farm nearby. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the items that were allegedly stolen earlier at the farm. They were then charged for possession of suspected stolen properties and they could possibly be linked with the said farm robbery.
The three are expected to make their first appearance at Leslie Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 09 September 2022 facing the said charges. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against them or linking them to other crimes committed elsewhere as the investigation progresses.
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Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the arrest of the suspects as well as the recovery of the items that were stolen earlier during the robbery. “Working with other stakeholders in the fight against crime seems to produce positive results and it gives us joy to be experiencing such successes. We encourage others to join hands with us in the path of creating a safer environment for all citizens” said the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
