A joint sweeping operation carried out by members from Witbank SAPS in collaboration with Witbank Communty Policing Forum yielded positive results as 25 suspects were arrested on Friday, 15 October 2021 in Witbank.

The said operation targeted certain areas in Witbank, including Klarinet and Coronation Park where suspects, aged between 20 and 31 were apprehended on several charges such as possession of suspected stolen property, possession of drugs, selling of liquor without a licence as well as contravention of immigration acts.

The intense operation culminated into the closure of illegal scrapmetal shop where suspected stolen copper wire was confiscated as well as the seizure of Kenna metal mining drills worth millions of rands. The suspects are due to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 October 2021.

Meanwhile Peter Mpitikwana Mathibela, aged 27 as well as Mozambican National, Fabiano Joseph Nyawulane, aged 29 were both remanded in custody during their first appearance at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 October 2021. The two face charges relating to being in possession of 18 suspected stolen solar panels valued at about R 180 000.

The duo’s court appearance follows their arrest on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 by members of the SAPS from Witbank Crime Intelligence in collaboration with their counterparts from Visible Policing. It is reported that the members received information about suspects in possession of suspected stolen solar panels which they allegedly kept at their places of residence. The information was then operationalised by the team and on the said day, the said items were confiscated. Their case was postponed by the court to Thursday, 21 October 2021.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has commended the collaborative efforts by the members which produced positive results.

Source: South African Police Service