SUSPECT DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ROBBERY OF DUTCH TOURISTS.
A 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 September 2024, for attempted murder and armed robbery which took place on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 at about 11:40 along R35 road between Barberton and Badplaas.
It is alleged that on the day in question, the couple( Dutch tourists), were driving a rented Toyota Cross when a dark-coloured VW Polo passed them.
They kept on driving when the Polo with three occupants drove parallel to their vehicle and fired at the driver, injuring the driver on his right hand. They stopped their vehicle.
Three suspects pointed at the victims with firearms and robbed them of their belongings, two cellphones. three bank cards, R5000 cash, passports, and an international driver’s license. They fled from the crime scene towards Barberton.
On Thursday, 12 September 2024, the Hawks led an intelligence-driven operation following information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect. A team comprising Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence and Flying Squad operationalised the information. The suspect was arrested and found in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims.
The suspect was charged and detained pending his first court appearance on Monday. Two suspects are still at large. The victims’ properties and the rented vehicle were recovered and confiscated.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Gerber applauded the multidisciplinary team for the speedy arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen property.
He further gave a stern warning to criminals who threatened and harmed tourists’ safety as they visited the province and boosted the economy. “Such senseless attacks threaten the economy and have a negative impact on the rest of the world,” said Major Gerber to The Bulletin
The Hawks team took over the investigation to ensure the speedy arrest of the culprits. He further requests anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding two suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Elbert De Lange on 071 481 2815. The General further assured the public that the information provided would be confidential. He concluded.
