NELSPRUIT - In less than 24 hours since the on duty SAPS Witbank Flying Squad members were attacked by the unknown suspects who opened fire on them at the N4 around Witbank, police in Barberton managed to arrest one of the suspects who carried out an attack on police whilst conducting Crime Prevention duties next to Barberton Medi-clinic this morning Sunday 22 January 2023 at about 01:30.

According to information, police notice a White Hyundai LDV (bakkie) without registration plates.

Police stopped the bakkie to conduct routine checks, but the driver could not comply with the police officials' instructions.

Police then followed the vehicle. They could notice that the driver had passengers in the vehicle.

Police persuaded the suspicious vehicle, which finally came to halt at Sheba road.

Unexpectedly gunshots were fired from the Hyundai.

Police had to return fire resulting in some of the occupants alighting from the bakkie and fled the scene on foot.

Police could not back down, they approached the vehicle and a 30 year old male suspect was arrested.

Police searched the vehicle whereby Gauteng registration plates, empty magazine and one spent cartridge case was found in the vehicle.

The suspect and other exhibits were taken to the police station for further investigation.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela praised the members for their bravery and the arrest of the suspect. The General however voiced concerns about the escalating unacceptable attack on police in the province.

Source: South African Police Service