The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of a 29-year-old male suspect on allegations of assaulting a member of the SAPS at Badplaas. The incident is said to have occurred in the evening of yesterday, Saturday 18 September 2021 around 20h30.
According to police report, the police Constable was on duty, attending to a murder incident that occurred at a local tavern. The member was allegedly attacked and severely assaulted as he got out of the state vehicle upon arrival at the scene. The member sustained some injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment where he was later discharged. A case was opened accordingly and the matter was investigated where the suspect was sought and arrested today, Sunday 19 September 2021 at a tavern few hours after the incident. He is expected to appear before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday 20 September 2021 facing a charge of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The Provincial Commissioner has further condemned this incident and sent a stern warning that a situation of disrespecting police officials or any law enforcement officer will never be tolerated. The General also indicated that those who attempt to do that will face the full might of the law.
Meanwhile police at Bushbuckridge have launched a manhunt for suspects following a business robbery incident at Letshele Secondary School in Majembeni near Bushbuckridge on Thursday, 16 September 2021.
It is said that in the evening of that day, a group of about five suspects entered the said school where they held a security guard hostage, tied him before stealing about 30 Acer computers, Samsung TV set, two Acer CPU, four laptops, one wooden door as well as food grocery meant for a feeding scheme at school. Thereafter the suspects are said to have fled the scene with the stolen items, leaving behind the security guard still tied and he was rescued by another guard the next morning.
The matter was then reported to the police at Bushbuckridge where an investigation began hence the manhunt.
The police at Bushbuckridge appeal to members of the public to assist with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of the suspects by contacting Detective Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Bhiya on 0726377947 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Source: South African Police Service