NELSPRUIT - The networks of criminals continue to be dismantled as police work hard to make an impact through partnering with members of the public with a clear mandate to clamp down on crime. This has been evident with the arrest of a suspect in possession of a firearm with ammunition. A 29-year-old male suspect was apprehended at Balfour on Tuesday, 16 August 2022 around 12:30 pm.

The arrest of the suspect came after police from Balfour received information about a group of suspects who were driving in a white Toyota Etios and were plotting to rob a local clothing store. Some members of the community joined hands with the police to assist in preventing this plot by leading police to a suspicious vehicle and its occupants through the information they have provided.

A vehicle, fitting the description as given was spotted in town. Members attempted to intercept it but the driver failed to stop and sped off however, the vehicle was swiftly cornered near a High School in town (Balfour). The suspects had already alighted from the vehicle to evade the arrest except one suspect who was arrested on the spot.

The vehicle (Toyota Etios) was subsequently searched by the police wherein an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were found in the possession of the suspect. The serial number of the firearm was filed off. On further investigation, police also established that the number plates of the vehicle were not matching the ones displayed on the license disc hence the suspect was arrested on the spot and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition. The vehicle was also seized as part of the investigation. Police cannot rule out the possibility that the vehicle could have previously been used in the commission of crime elsewhere.

Police are still in pursuit of the remaining suspects. It is hoped that within a short space of time their whereabouts will be made known. Members of the community can either call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear at the Balfour Magistrate's Court today facing the said charges. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other crimes committed elsewhere as the probe continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised members of the public for coming forth with information which led to the successful arrest. "Winning the war against crime needs the collaborative efforts between the police and the community hence we experience successes whenever that happens. We hope that the remaining suspects will soon be brought to book as well," said the General.

Source: South African Police Service