NELSPRUIT -The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has acknowledged with much appreciation the exceptional work done by members of the police at Graskop. The acknowledgement by the General follows an arrest of four suspects, aged between 23 and 30 in connection with a business robbery that occurred at Graskop yesterday morning, Sunday 12 June 2022.

Details of the robbery indicates that on the said day at about 11:30 am, a group of about five armed men stormed into Ackermans shop and held the owners at gunpoint. The suspects are said to have then helped themselves with some items and cash to the estimated value of about R40 000-00.

During the robbery it is said that a female customer was about to enter into the shop when she realised that the robbery was being carried out at the shop. She reportedly turned from the shop without being noticed by the suspects. The terrified woman was noticed by a police officer who was passing by. The woman then informed the member of what was unfolding.

The astute member is said to have immediately alerted his colleagues who swiftly came on board and upon their arrival, they cornered the men at the road construction site nearby as the suspects were fleeing. Unfortunately one of the suspects evaded the arrest. However the four were apprehended by the police. A grey VW Golf which is believed to have been used by the suspects, was seized during the arrest.

Police also discovered that the men were in possession of items that are suspected to have been stolen during the said robbery at Ackermans. Moreover, a toy gun was found in the possession of the suspects. The four were charged for possession of suspected stolen properties and will possibly be linked to the said business robbery which occurred earlier that day.

They will have their day in court on Tuesday, 14 June 2022 at Graskop Magistrate's Court facing the said charges. Meanwhile police are still in pursuit of the suspect who is still at large. Anyone with information that may lead to his arrest are urged to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or either send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has since taken the opportunity of the successful story to encourage members of the public to join police in the battle against crime, citing that the members in Mpumalanga are determined to root out crime from every angle. “I challenge the public to work hand-in-glove with the police so that the war against crime is won. The partnership between police and the community is paramount in the fight against crime therefore each part should play its role" concluded the General.

Source: South African Police Service