Day: January 14, 2022

The Harrismith highway patrol have intercepted two suspicious vehicles on the N3 highway on north bound towards Johannesburg, seized suspected stolen tower batteries, two vehicles and arrested five suspects.

On Friday 14 January 2022 at approximately 08:20 two members of Harrismith Highway Patrol were patrolling on the N3 near Eeram Farm about 25 kilometres from Harrismith. They spotted a white suspicious Nissan bakkie and stopped it. Upon searching it they found nine tower batteries and arrested the two occupants.

The arrest of the two suspects led police to drive extra 30 kilometres towards Warden where they arrested three suspects traveling with a black Toyota Yaris. There were three occupants and when searching the car, police found three other tower batteries.

All five suspects were arrested and detained. It was established that two of the five suspects are foreign nationals.

The 12 batteries including two vehicles used to transport suspected stolen property were seized. The service provider of the batteries has been contacted to come and identify and verify their property and where it might have been stolen. Another charges could be added.

The five suspects between 30 and 40 years of age are expected to appear before Harrismith Magistrate court on Monday, 17 January 2022 facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.

“The damaging of infrastructure and theft of tower batteries has negative impact and effect on communication breakdown to business and individuals within the specific area and country. I therefore applaud our hard working and dedicated members for excellent service rendered and keep up the good work and justice will take its cause”, said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Baile Motswenyane.

Source: South African Police Service

DURBAN – On 13 January 2022, police officers from the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit conducted an intelligence driven operation at Clermont in KwaDabeka.

The team was following up on information about ammunition that was being sold in the area. Police officers swooped on the identified premises and arrested a 65-year-old man. The suspect was found with 338 rounds of ammunition of various calibres. The suspect’s firearm was also seized for further investigation. The suspect is appearing before the Pinetown Magistrates Court today.

In another operation, the same team proceeded to Prince Alfred Street in the Point policing area where they conducted a sting operation. They pounced on a man who was seated in a vehicle. Upon searching him, police found cocaine and heroin in his possession. R2580-00 in cash was seized from the suspect. The estimated street value of the recovered drugs is R85000-00.

A 44-year-old suspect was placed under arrest for possession as well dealing in drugs. The initial investigation conducted by police revealed that the suspect is out on bail for a similar offence. The suspect is appearing in the Durban Magistrates Court this morning.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded members at Tonga for being dedicated to the cause of fighting crime as well as their act of bravery.

This happened after three armed robbers were gunned down last night at Block A in Tonga, during a shootout with police.

According to the information, a group of suspects charged into the local supermarket at Block A, heavily armed and looted items such cigarettes, television sets, airtime as well as an undisclosed amount of cash and fled in a white Ford Bantam thereafter.

The matter was reported to the police, who responded swiftly and immediately searched for the suspects. They (police) spotted the suspects driving in a white Ford Bantam, which matched the description of the vehicle used to flee the scene. Upon noticing the police the suspects fired at them and the police retaliated, fatally wounding three of the suspects, while one managed to escape.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect is urged to immediately contact Colonel Nancy Mnisi on 0726038438 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service

The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the efforts bestowed by the Police and Security industry at Standerton over the immediate arrest of suspects.

Five suspects aged between 24 and 50 were arrested today by police at Standerton for business robbery.

According to the report, a group of armed suspects stormed into F3 Cash and Carry, pointed the owner and cashier with firearms, demanding cash. They then took an undisclosed amount of money from the till and fled in a white Toyota Etios Sedan.

Police were alerted about the incident and pursued the suspects whom they swiftly cornered and arrested at Van Veen Street in Standerton with the assistance of Kasselman Security. There were about four other suspects who managed to escape. During the arrest the police also recovered four firearms as well as 38 rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects will appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 January 2022.

Police request anyone with information that can lead to the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to immediately contact Sergeant Oupa Hadebe on 0634457885 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service