NELSPRUIT - Five suspects, a Police Constable attached to Witbank Detectives, Emmanuel Zwane (24), Given Nhlanhla (27), Ngadla Mkhwanazi (44), Thembelani Ndlebele (32) and Vusi Bophela (40) were all remanded in custody after they appeared at the Ogies Magistrate’s Court today for possession of suspected stolen properties. They were arrested yesterday, Sunday 31 July 2022 on the R555 Ogies/Delmas Road.

According to the report, Police at Ogies conducted routine patrolling duties when they spotted a Toyota Double Cab bakkie parked on the side of the road, with six men loading bags inside the bakkie. They then approached the men to investigate when suddenly officials and security guards from Transnet also arrived and informed the police that the men are loading Chrome which they allegedly stole at Transnet. Police reacted swiftly and arrested four of the suspects while two managed to flee.

Moments later, police spotted a white Golf 7 TSI and identified the driver as one of the two suspects who fled the scene earlier and he was arrested. A preliminary investigation conducted after the arrests revealed that the bakkie which was used to load the Chrome is a SAPS vehicle which was assigned for a member on Detective stand-by duties. They further discovered that the Golf 7 TSI belongs to one of the suspects who was arrested as well.

The stolen Chrome is estimated to be worth R60 000 and the suspects will have their second appearance at the same court on 08 August 2022.

Meanwhile crime perpetuated by any member of the SAPS has been widely condemned by the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela. "Whilst we applaud the success made, we can never be associated with criminality. We will continue to fight crime without fear or favour and we remain consistent to get rid of bad apples within our ranks" said the General.

Source: South African Police Service