NELSPRUIT - Intelligence gathered by the Provincial Task Team was operationalised by various police disciplines, comprised of Pienaar Tactical Response Team, Secunda Public Order Policing, Local Criminal Record Centre and Explosive Experts this morning, Monday 13 February 2023 in Thulamahashe at about 04:00.

The team advanced to the provided address and requested to search the house. Whilst searching the house, a cartridge of blasting gel was discovered concealed under a couch.

The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in Mhala Magistrate's Court tomorrow.

Further investigation on the origin of explosives continue and police are investigating if the suspect is not linked to other crimes where explosives might have been used.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended members for the positive information and successfully executed operation. "We have seen a number of ATM's and drop-in safes detonated, we believe thorough investigation might lead us to the group that are against the country's economic growth," concluded Lieutenant General Manamela.

Source: South African Police Service