The swift response by Witbank SAPS members in collaboration with Community Policing Forum (CPF) members from Witbank, has led to the arrest of two suspects aged 24 and 34 who could possibly be linked to an armed robbery at a certain Tuck Shop and the disarming of a security guard. The suspects were nabbed in the evening of Friday, 28 October 2022 in Witbank.

According to the information, their arrest followed an incident in which three armed suspects reportedly stormed into the said business premises earlier that evening around 19:50. It is alleged that the suspects held the tuck Shop owner at gunpoint and robbed him of undisclosed amount of cash as well as some cigarettes. Whilst the robbery was in progress, it is said that a security guard who was in possession of his service pistol arrived to buy some items, probably unaware of what was happening. The guard too was allegedly robbed of his service pistol by the armed men inside the shop.

The suspects are said to have fled the scene thereafter in a white Toyota bakkie as well as a grey VW Polo. The incident was reported to the authorities then the said members intensified their efforts of patrolling the area in pursuit of the two vehicles occupied by the suspects. It was not long before the team spotted one of the cars, a Toyota bakkie with two occupants just few blocks away from the crime scene. That is when the two were apprehended. The VW Polo unfortunately could not be traced at the time however police continue with their probe and are adamant that with the help of the public, they will succeed in finding the said vehicle as well as arresting the outstanding suspect. The said bakkie will probably form part of the investigation to determine if it was not used in the commission of other similar incidents elsewhere. The two are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon.

Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the remaining suspect to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. 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 Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the two suspects and reassured the public that police will soldier on to disrupt criminal activities throughout the province especially as we move towards the festive season.

Enquiries:
Colonel Donald Mdhluli
082 608 6540