NELSPRUIT – Six alleged members of ‘Umbutho’ group who reportedly portray themselves as community watchdogs in Kamaqhekeza outside Komatipoort were arrested. Two amongst them, aged 30 and 38 were nabbed on Monday, 19 December 2022, where one of the suspects was found in possession of two toy guns. The other suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, 20 December 2022 in the Nkomazi area. Some of the suspects were found in possession of large amount of ammunition for a rifle.
The suspects were charged with kidnapping, robbery, extortion, armed robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as well as possession of unlicensed ammunition. This came after an intensive investigation where it was unearthed that the six could be involved in a series of criminal activities carried out in the Tonga policing precinct between February and December 2022.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the six could have been embroiled in gang related incidents, including the one in which an employee of Siphumele Tenbosch Trust was badly assaulted. It is alleged that his mobile phone was taken from him however when they attempted to transfer cash, it is said that they could not succeed. This incident reportedly occurred on 24 February 2022 after the victim was tricked into attend a meeting then forced into the suspects’ vehicle. It is alleged that they took him to a secluded area in Block C water treatment plant near Nkomazi river and that is where the alleged assault took place.
As if that was not enough, the arrested suspects are suspected to have also been amongst the group of approximately 20 men who stormed into Siboshwa Tribal Authority and allegedly assaulted a male victim with chairs whilst he was busy making some transactions regarding land matters. The incident is said to have taken place on 29 November 2022.
Possibly the suspects could have taken part in a recent incident in which a group of suspects went to a certain house in Dludluma on 08 December 2022 and allegedly stole a Toyota Hilux bakkie.
Cases were then opened at Tonga and the arrest of the six suspects comes as a result of a thorough investigation that was launched by team members which was assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela. The team comprises of National Intervention Unit (NIU), Tactical Response Team (TRT) as well as the Anti-Gang Investigation Unit.
The six suspects appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today, 21 December 2022 facing the said charges. Their matter was postponed to 23 December 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile they all remained in custody. At this stage police cannot rule out the possibility of adding other charges against the suspects who have been identified as Mthokozisi Mashele (30), Sifiso Ngomane (38), Sunboy Ntimane (36), Nhlanhla Mhlongo (37), Lucky Nsingwane (37), and Mxolisi Mabuza (42).
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the synergy displayed by various units which brought about this great success and the General indicated that this is one step in a journey towards ensuring safety for all citizens.
Source: South African Police Service