NELSPRUIT – Police arrested one male suspect (35) on allegations that he, together with two of his accomplices attacked members of the police in Calcutta by firing shots at them as they were responding to a business robbery in progress. Suspected stolen properties were further confiscated during his arrest. The incident is said to have occurred on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 at Kildare Trust near Calcutta in Bushbuckridge at around midnight.
According to the information, a businessman was reportedly asleep when about three armed suspects came in a white Isuzu single cab bakkie and broke the wall where they made a hole in order to gain access into the business premises. It is further said that the suspects randomly fired some shots. The business owner reportedly called for help from his neighbours after hearing the sounds. It is further alleged that the three suspects were wearing caps as well as masks as they held the owner at gunpoint, instructing him to lay down whilst demanding cash from him. His assailants then ordered him to open the till and they allegedly robbed him of undisclosed amount of cash. The armed men then allegedly assaulted him while demanding for more cash which they forced him to take from a bag where he had hidden it. The suspects allegedly robbed him of that cash as well, before they helped themselves with other items including flash machine, packs of snuff, as well as his mobile phone. The suspects then exited the premises using the same hole they used to enter after putting a bag of mielie meal on the victim's head.
As the suspects tried to flee the scene, the Police at Calcutta were alerted about the incident and they swiftly responded before the suspects could go far. As the members approached, that was when the suspects began shooting towards the members who defended themselves by firing back though there was no report of injuries received. Two suspects managed to flee on foot with undisclosed amount of cash and they evaded the arrest meanwhile the third one who was driving the said bakkie could not make it as the men and women in Blue cornered and arrested him. The Isuzu bakkie with Gauteng registration number plates was also confiscated and inside the vehicle were various items believed to have been stolen during the robbery. The investigation is continuing in pursuit of the other two suspects together with the firearms involved.
The arrested man is facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen properties as well as business robbery. On these charges, Dumisani Nkuna has already appeared at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate's Court today, 16 February 2023. His matter was postponed to Monday, 20 February 2023 for a formal bail application meanwhile he remained in custody. On the charge of attempted murder on police officials, he is expected to appear at the same court tomorrow, 17 February 2023.
In a separate incident, two suspects allegedly shot and injured an Ethiopian national during a business robbery at Block C, Phakama near Komatipoort yesterday, 15 February 2023 at about 17:30.
The two are said to have arrived at the supermarket outside Tonga and pretended as if they wanted to buy some items. Suddenly one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm and shot the victim on his arm. The duo then ransacked the shop and reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash. They also allegedly took cell phone recharge vouchers, some cigarettes as well as the victim’s mobile phone. Thereafter they fled the scene in a white Isuzu double cab bakkie. It is further alleged that earlier, the vehicle was reportedly parked a few meters away from the shop that was robbed. The suspects left the victim helpless but he was however taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Hence the Police at Tonga are appealing to anyone with information that may help in apprehending the suspects to contact Detective Colonel Nancy Mnisi on 072 603 8438. Alternatively members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the attack of Police officials or any other law enforcement agencies. The General further welcomed the arrest of the suspect whilst being certain that it is just a matter of time before the outstanding suspects are also brought to book.
Source: South African Police Service