NELSPRUIT – Polite Chau Chau Shabangu (27), who has been sought by the police, was finally arrested on Monday, 07 November 2022 in the area of Mhala.

Shabangu was sought for absconding court. He reportedly failed to show up in court after being arrested on assault charges in July 2022 where he allegedly stabbed a male victim at New Forest near Thulamahashe. After his arrest, the court granted him bail of R500 then that was the last time he sat his foot in court. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the court and for more than three months he was nowhere to be found.

On the said Monday, members from Mhala Detective Services, together with Vispol members received information from some members of the public regarding a man who has been on the run from the authorities. Further details indicated that he was seen boarding a taxi from Thulamahashe to Acornhoek near Bushbuckridge.

The members responded swiftly and the said minibus was intercepted in Mbumba Trust where he was spotted amongst other commuters then he was arrested and charged accordingly.

He appeared at Mhala Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 08 November 2022). The state successfully opposed his bail and the matter was postponed to 29 November 2022 for a trial.

The investigation continues and the man could possibly be linked to various cases which include attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, and violation of protection order, intimidation and burglaries.

On the attempted murder case, it is said that on Friday, 02 September 2022 around 17h00, a 49 year old woman was at her residential place in Mbumba Trust when she was allegedly attacked with a panga by a male suspect who demanded to see the woman’s daughter. The suspect then reportedly hacked her however the neighbours came to her rescue where they took her to hospital for medical treatment.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded both members of the public as well as the SAPS members who worked collaboratively in this instance to ensure that the suspect is brought to book. “This is a demonstration that together we can win the battle against crime. The public should gear up for activities such as this as we draw closer to the festive season. We will not leave any stone unturned when it comes to crime.” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service