Between Wednesday, 03 May 2023 and today, Thursday 04 May 2023, three male suspects aged between 27 and 36 were arrested in connection with incidents of armed robberies around the District of Ehlazeni. Two firearms (Revolver and 9mm Pistol) were confiscated from the suspects. One of the recovered firearms was found to have its serial numbers filed off. The suspects were nabbed during an intelligence-driven operation which was conducted by members of the SAPS in Mpumalanga. The sting operation began around 23:45 on the said Wednesday.
According to the report members of the SAPS gathered some intelligence regarding robbery incidents around Masoyi, Hazyview and Kabokweni. The information was followed by the astute members consisting of men and women in Blue from Ehlanzeni District Crime Intelligence Task Team supported by their counterparts from Tactical Response Team (TRT). One of the suspects, Zweli Mnisi (29) was cornered at Mahushe near Masoyi outside White River in possession of a revolver but without ammunition. Through investigation the second suspect, Donald Maluleke (27) was arrested and found in possession of a 9mm pistol with three live ammunition.
Another suspect, Thokozani Leyane (36) was arrested after allegedly stealing a community Jojo tank during the period of the police operation. He was reportedly spotted by some members of the community who immediately alerted the police. It is said that the man was driving a bakkie and before he was apprehended, it is alleged that he attempted to evade the arrest by speeding off with the car he was driving however police gave a chase and it was not long before he was cornered and arrested. He is facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen property meanwhile the other two suspects are facing charges relating to possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition.
The two confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were not previously used in the commission of crime hence more charges could possibly be added against the two suspects as the investigation continues.
During their court appearance at Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday 04 May 2023 the three suspects were remanded in custody until 10 May 2023 for a formal bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has been extremely overwhelmed by the success that was made more especially with the recovery of the two firearms.
