NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the arrest of two male suspects who could possibly be linked to murders as well as armed robberies. The pair was nabbed at Marite (near Bushbuckridge) on Friday night, 11 March 2022 by joint forces of the police from Tactical Response Team (TRT) from Tshwane and Ekurhuleni in partnership with members from Calcutta Task Team.

According to the information, police received information from some members of the public about some individuals who were reportedly in possession of firearms in a certain tarven at Jim Brown (in Marite). A sting operation was then planned and swiftly carried out on the said day (11 March 2022) around 23h20 by the formidable team.

Upon arrival at the tavern, the two men were identified and searched accordingly. One of the men was found with a 9mm Girson pistol whilst the other was reportedly found with a 9mm Norinco pistol in his possession. The two, aged 26 and 34 were arrested and charged accordingly, one was charged for unlawful possession of a firearm with ammunition. Meanwhile the other was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Preliminary investigation by the detectives unearthed that the two are somehow fingered in a string of serious cases, including murder of a police officer at Marite near Calcutta in January 2022 as well as a murder case at Alexandra (Gauteng Province) in December 2021 and other robberies. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspects to other crimes committed elsewhere. The confiscated firearms will also undergo some forensic tests where more charges may be added upon the suspects.

The two suspects are expected to appear at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 March 2022 facing the said charges.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has reassured the public that the information provided to police will receive the necessary attention. “The area of Marite where the two suspects were arrested, has been in the spotlight in terms of violent crimes. We are busy cleaning up the area and we encourage communities to continue with providing the information that is needed and we will act accordingly ” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service