NELSPRUIT – The quick response by the police after a tip-off helped in disrupting a farm attack at Welwediend in Verena yesterday morning, Tuesday 17 January 2023 at about 02:00.
After police received an alert, members were mobilised and attended to the scene. On arrival, police noticed three pickups which were loaded with 19 sheep and four goats valued at more than R40 000-00. A chase ensured between the Police and the suspects. As a result, one of the suspects’ vehicle got involved in an accident whilst they abandoned other two of their vehicles in order to evade the arrest. They then fled the scene without being arrested and when police searched the vehicles, they discovered two firearms inside. The victim mentioned that he was asleep when he heard a gunshot from outside, before he could figure out what was happening, he heard a loud bang at the door and armed suspects came in and robbed him of two cell phones valued at about R1 500-00.
The racked vehicle as well the other two vehicles were left on the scene hence the recovery of the firearms and the livestock. The investigation regarding the ownership of the three cars is underway.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the speedy reaction by the police. The General further condemned farm attacks and reassured citizens that police are working around the clock to curb and address the situation.
Source: South African Police Service