An Intelligence driven operation, after information was provided Pienaar Crime Intelligence, led by Police, together with Nelspruit Divergent Ops Security, led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 20 and 23, in Barberton who reportedly terrorized the community by allegedly committing a number of robberies.
The two suspects were cornered in Nelspruit and during the investigation, the team was led to their residence in Umjindi Hostel, Barberton where a search was conducted. In one residence, a firearm was found under a pillow with its serial number filed off and one live ammunition. The suspect did not have a firearm licence hence he was charged for illegal possession of firearm with ammunition. Meanwhile in another house, the second suspect was found with a firearm, hidden under a pillow. The serial number of the firearm was filed off, and during the search, some explosive devices were found on the table. The suspect did not have a licence hence he too was charged accordingly.
The two suspects are also suspected to have been allegedly involved in a house robbery incident, which occurred in Barberton in August last year (2024).
The two were charged with illegal possession of firearm with ammunition, as well as house robbery and the other suspect is faced with an additional charge of illegal possession explosives.
The two are due to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on 13 January 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has applauded the Structure of the SAPS for the outstanding work and also thanked the Security Agencies for their working collaboration with the Police. “Our collaboration efforts with other law enforcement agencies assist a great deal in the fight against crime hence the partnership we have with the stakeholders, always yield positive results, ” said the General.
Two suspects who terrorized the community in Barberton were arrested https://t.co/VLTubfA0bK#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/2Cg820QYv6
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 13, 2025
