NELSPRUIT – Police in the province continue to be vigilant during this Safer Festive Season. Yesterday, 19 December 2022, the astute members reportedly prevented a possible robbery as they engaged in a gun battle with heavily armed suspects. This occurred near Malelane outside Komatipoort on Monday, 19 December 2022 around 10h00 am.
According to the report, the members were patrolling along the R70 Jeppes Reef Road when they came across a white Toyota single cab occupied by four heavily armed individuals inside. As the members approached the suspicious vehicle by making a U-turn, it is suspected that the suspects probably noticed them and also made a U-turn as well. This occurred on several occasions before the suspects started firing shots at the members and the members defended themselves by engaging in the gun battle. One member sustained some injuries in the upper body and the state vehicle was also damaged during this incident. The suspects later disengaged after realising that the members were not backing down then they fled the scene. It is reported that they (suspects) abandoned the vehicle that they were using and hijacked a certain vehicle, Silver grey BMW at Matsulu which they later abandoned. It is further alleged that they were picked up by a certain white BMW and they were never seen.
A case of attempted murder is being investigated in relation to the attack on the members. No suspect has been arrested so far however police have launched an investigation and are in pursuit of the suspects.
Members of the public are urged to come forth with information that may assist in the investigation and call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney has vowed that the suspects will be hunted down until each one of them is brought to book.
Source: South African Police Service