The gun that was found
By Kopano Dibakwane
Police officers and detectives were praised by Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, following the recovery of a firearm that was allegedly stolen during a burglary at a house in Chrissiesmeer in 2015 and the arrest of a suspect identified as Bheki Joseph Bhembe(36), who is linked to the crime. Bhembe was reportedly sniffed out of his hiding place at Chrisssiesmeer on Friday 8 March 2024.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a case of burglary was opened in September 2015 whereby a suspect broke into a house and stole a firearm inside a safe. The owner of the house was reportedly not at home during the incident.
“ After his arrest, the investigation continued and directed them(police) to the location of where the firearm was hidden. Members from White Diving Unit were also brought on board to assist. The team went into an old reservoir where a firearm as well as some ammunition were retrieved,” said Mdhluli.
The Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, said the breakthrough should serve as an indication that the Detective Services of the police have capacity to deal with difficult cases.
“ We are delighted with the progress made on the case. What we request from the victims of crime is to ensure that they know who is investigating their cases and if they do not get joy in the manner their cases are probed, then they are free to approach the Branch Commander at the respective (police) station,” said Manamela.
Bhembe reportedly made his first appearance at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 11 March 2024 and his follow-up appearance was scheduled for 18 March 2024 for a formal bail application.
