NELSPRUIT - A 34-year-old alleged robber, Sphiwe Ngema was remanded in custody by the Carolina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 09 January 2023, for common robbery and for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition.

His appearance came after his arrest for allegedly robbing an owner of his licenced firearm on 07 January 2023 at a Filling Station in Carolina. The victim reported the matter to the police and a case was opened against him. An investigation was immediately launched, which led police to a certain house in Silobela, Carolina where the suspect was nabbed and the firearm seized from him. The suspect was then charged for illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition as well as for robbery.

During his court appearance, he was remanded in custody for further investigation and for formal bail application. He is expected to make his second court appearance on 16 January 2023.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest made as well as the recovery of the firearm. The General further emphasised that firearms in wrong hands are a danger to the society.

Source: South African Police Service