Crime fighting efforts by astute members of the South African Police Service in Tonga and Phola respectively resulted in the arrest of two male suspects on separate incidents over the weekend. A vehicle reportedly hijacked in Gauteng was recovered at Tonga policing precinct and thanks to members of the public who collaboratively worked with police to corner the suspect. Whilst a firearm with ammunition was seized during the arrest of a man at Phola. The two are due to appear before court on Monday, 25 October 2021.
According to the information, on Friday, 22 October 2021 members of the SAPS from Tonga were busy patrolling at KaMaqhekeza in the morning when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux Double Cab bakkie with one occupant. The driver initially refused to halt when police attempted to stop him and a high speed chase ensued but, through the help of some members of the public, the suspect was eventually cornered at Steenbok. The 31-year-old man was then arrested.
Preliminary probe by police revealed that the vehicle was hijacked on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 in Sunnyside (Pretoria, Gauteng) and the vehicle had already been reportedly fitted with forged registration number plates. The suspect was then charged for possession of suspected hijacked vehicle hence his appearance before the Nkomazi Magistrate Court on Monday, 25 October 2021.
Meanwhile on Friday night, 22 October 2021 around 20:45 members of the police from Phola Station were patrolling at a certain street near Siyabonga Section in Phola when they came across a man who looked suspicious. Upon searching him, police found a firearm in his possession hence he was arrested as well as charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The 33-year-old man is expected to appear before the Ogies Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. The firearm will also form part of the probe. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to crimes committed elsewhere.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has appreciated the endeavours and vigilance displayed by the members.
Source: South African Police Service