NELSPRUIT - Police in Mpumalanga continue to battle against perpetrators who capitalise on robbing stealing cars from defenceless victims. This is an issue which has been troubling citizens and police vowed not to fold their arms but have been working hard to address it. As a result, two suspects aged 34 and 43 were arrested at Vaalbank in the Nkangala District on Monday, 02 January 2023 around 17:00. They were charged for being in possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle. The car, a white Toyota double cab bakkie was reportedly stolen during a house robbery at Marapyane village in Mmametlhake on 29 December 2022 around 21:30.
According to the report, an investigation team has been assembled to deal with similar crimes including business robberies, armed robberies and hijackings. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book. The arrest of the two is evident of such progress made thus far. The team received some valuable information from the Intelligence structure of the police in the province regarding the stolen bakkie as well whereabouts of the suspects. Details were then followed by the team consisting of members from Crime Intelligence at Kwamhlanga, Tracker SA and Kwamhlanga Vispol members. That was when the bakkie was reportedly found in possession of the two men who were immediately and without any hesitation apprehended. The arrested suspects could face other charges for similar crimes committed in other areas such as Siyabuswa and the surroundings as investigation continues.
The duo is expected to appear at the Kwamhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 04 January 2023 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the exceptional work done by the team, including the arrest and recovery of the vehicle. The General has further indicated that the team indeed produced desired results.
Source: South African Police Service