NELSPRUIT – On Monday, 06 December 2021 a 27-year-old man, believed to be involved in a number of business robberies and burglaries across the province, was apprehended by members of the police from Crime Intelligence Unit at Tonga.

Reports indicate that the astute members conducted an intelligent driven operation in search of suspects who were behind incidents that saw several businesses being hit by burglaries and robberies in the past months.

The members then proceeded to Schoemansdal in Nkomazi and cornered the said man. Upon further investigation members discovered that, the very same man is linked to number of robbery and burglary incidents, including the two business robberies and burglaries reported to have occurred in September and October 2021.

The businesses affected included: OBC Butchery, Picardi Liquor Store, PEP, Roots Butchery, Total Sports, Foot Gear, and a Shop where traditional items are sold at Tonga Mall. During the said robberies, explosives were detonated and an undisclosed amount of cash and large volume of alcohol beverages were stolen.

Further investigations by the police revealed that the suspect allegedly took part in a business robbery that was carried out in October 2021 where a group of suspects got away with a large amount of cash from safes, after detonating with explosives. Several businesses that suffered a loss included: Boxer Supermarket in Schoemansdal, U-Save and a fuel station at Driekopies near Schoemansdal.

The suspect is also linked to a business robbery that occurred at Elukwatini in October 2021.

The suspect was charged accordingly today and he is due to appear before the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday, 08 December 2021, facing about four charges, which include business robberies, business burglaries as well as the contravention of Explossive Act. More charges may be added as the investigation continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect amidst business robberies and burglaries incidents where large amount of cash was stolen by suspects. The General further appreciated the hard work displayed by the members in the fight against crime.

Source: South African Police Service