On Friday 14 January 2022 members of Mangaung Metro Tactical Response Team (TRT) executed an intelligence driven operation that led to the arrest of the 55-year-old Grade 1 Warrant Officer who works at Medium Prison near Bloemfontein. Intelligence was provided by Crime Intelligence Unit and the commander at TRT planned a way-lay and mobilised members to execute.

The team pounced on the target at about 18:00 in the evening. The identified target who was wearing a khaki short pants and scotch khaki shirt was halted while walking on foot in Bloemside Phase 4. He was carrying a yellow plastic in his hand. The team leader asked for permission to search the target and he agreed.

An undisclosed amount of money was found in his pocket. The police then searched the yellow plastic. Inside the plastic there were two packaged parcels wrapped with black plastic. The first package was opened and ten (10) wrapped dagga parcels were found. In the second package the police found; three (3) 9 mm live rounds, loose tobacco and another pink plastic containing firearm without a magazine and a handwritten conspiracy note.

The note contents indicated a plot to (i) hold Correctional Service officers hostage; (ii) escape from prison using a Vehicle as described; (iv) illegally crossing the border to perform rituals by the traditional healer and returning back (v) plot to murder another Correctional Officer’s wife and daughter.

The 55-year-old suspect was then arrested and taken to Bloemspruit Police Station where a docket of possession of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to commit multiple offences including murder was opened. The suspect will appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Monday 17 January 2022.

Source: South African Police Service