By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
In a breakthrough operation, members of the South African Police Service(SAPS) have apprehended two suspects aged 20 and 23, who allegedly terrorised the community of Barberton through a string of robberies.
The suspects were reportedly cornered in Nelspruit following an intelligence-driven operation led by the Pienaar Crime Intelligence unit, in collaboration with the Nelspruit Divergent Ops Security team.
Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson for Mpumalanga police, said the team of law enforcement officers was led to the suspects’ residence in Umjindi Hostel(Barberton) whereby a firearm, with its serial filed off, was found under a pillow as well as one live ammunition during a search.
“ 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 was filed off, and during the search, some explosive devices were found on the table. The suspect did not have a licence, hence he was charged accordingly,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
According to Lt-Col Ndubane, the two suspects are also suspected to have been allegedly involved in a house robbery incident which occurred in Barberton in August 2024. She said a charge of house robbery was added to the charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. The other suspect is reportedly faced with an additional charge of illegal possession explosives.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General(Dr)Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the collaborative work by members of SAPS as well as Security Agencies in securing the arrest of the suspects.
“ 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 yields positive results,” said General Mkhwanazi.
The two suspects will reportedly appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today Monday 13 January 2025.
