07 February 2022
According to the police report, at about 8 am today, a group of armed suspects stormed into a shop where they held the employees hostage, tied them with cable ties before robbing them of cell phones, laptops as well as cash and computer boxes.
One of the workers at the shop who was fortunately inside the bathroom during the occurrence of the robbery managed to call for help.
The security officers at the Mall responded swiftly where they cornered the suspects a few moments later as they tried to flee from the scene using a white Toyota Corolla Quest without number plates or license disk.
The police in Nelspruit were summoned to the scene.
Four suspects, aged between 30 and 39 were arrested and amongst them was a former police Sergeant who previously worked at the Crime Intelligence office in the province of Mpumalanga.
During the arrest, suspects were found in possession of property suspected to have been stolen during the robbery, including two laptops, cash, and computer monitors.
Two firearms with ammunition were also seized from the suspects.
The suspects are facing charges of business robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property as well as contravention of Traffic Laws, after driving the said vehicle without number plates, license disk, and without a valid driver’s license.
They are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded security officers at the Mall for the job well done. “We have been emphasizing the importance of collaborated efforts in the fight against crime, including tackling business robberies and we are grateful for the efforts displayed by our partners which gives courage that this war is winnable. ” concluded the General
