NELSPRUIT – Four suspects, aged between 30 and 39 were arrested just after reportedly committing a business robbery in a shop at Ilanga Mall in Nelspruit earlier today, Monday, 07 February 2022. Amongst the arrested suspects is a former police Sergeant who previously worked at Crime Intelligence office in the province of Mpumalanga.
According to the report, at about 08h00am today, a group of armed suspects stormed into a shop where they held the employees hostage, tied them with cable ties before robbing them of cell phones, laptops as well as cash and computer boxes. Meanwhile one of the workers at the shop was fortunately inside the bathroom during the occurrence of the robbery and this employee managed to call for help.
The security officers at the Mall responded swiftly where they cornered the suspects few moments later as they tried to flee from the scene using a white Toyota Corolla Quest without number plates nor licence disk.
The police in Nelspruit were notified and went immediately to the scene. When they were arrested, the suspects were found in possession of property suspected to have been stolen during the robbery, including two laptops, cash and computer monitors. Two firearms with ammunition were also seized from the suspects.
The four suspects are facing charges of business robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property as well as contravention of Traffic Laws, after driving the said vehicle without number plates, licence disk and without a valid driver’s licence. The suspects are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded security officers at the Mall for the job well done. “We have been emphasizing on the importance of collaborated efforts in the fight against crime, including tackling business robberies and we are grateful for the efforts displayed by our partners which gives courage that this war is winnable.” concluded the General.
Source: South African Police Service