A 30-year-old suspect involved in an armed robbery was shot and treated for a gunshot wound before being discharged from the hospital. The incident took place in Nelspruit, where four alleged robbers targeted a tavern in Oakley, Calcutta on Monday morning, August 14, 2023.
Upon receiving information about the ongoing business robbery, police responded promptly to the scene. However, as they arrived, they were greeted with a barrage of gunshots. In response, the police retaliated, leading to a crossfire. During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was shot in the leg and subsequently arrested. A handgun with the serial numbers tampered with was found in his possession. Meanwhile, the remaining three suspects managed to flee the scene, leaving their friend and getaway vehicle, a blue Kia Picanto, behind. The investigation later revealed that the vehicle had been reported as stolen last month in Masoyi.
Unfortunately, the armed robbers were successful in their heist, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, a laptop, and various beverages. Despite this setback, the arrest of one suspect brings some hope for justice.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court the following day, facing charges of business robbery, attacking police officials, possessing an unlicensed firearm, and possessing a stolen motor vehicle.
In a separate incident at Kildare Trust in Ximunghwe, Calcutta, a house robbery took place, during which a 35-year-old woman had her belongings stolen, including her Bible. According to reports, the victim was sleeping around 3 a.m. on August 14, 2023, when she heard a noise at her door. Upon investigating, she was startled to find an intruder brandishing a knife in her bedroom. The suspect forcefully took her cellphones, identification, bank cards, and even her Bible.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, commended the bravery of the officers involved in the incident and the subsequent arrest of one suspect. She expressed confidence in the apprehension of the remaining suspects in the near future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities and law enforcement officials in combating crime. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and security of innocent citizens. The SAPS remains dedicated to its mission of protecting the public and bringing criminals to justice.
