By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A 42 year-old suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder and armed robbery after a Dutch couple was allegedly robbed violently along the R35 Road between Barberton and Badplaas on Tuesday 10 September, at around 11:40 am.
The tourist couple was reportedly driving a rented Toyota Cross when gunshots were suddenly fired towards the driver from a dark coloured VW Polo with three occupants.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the driver of the Toyota Cross was injured on the right hand and stopped the vehicle.
“ Three suspects pointed the victims with firearms and robbed them of their belongings, two cellphones, three bank cards, R5000 cash, passports as well as an international driver’s license and fled the crime scene towards Barberton,” said Sekgotodi.
She said the Hawks led an intelligence-driven operation which included the Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence and Flying Squad following information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect on Thursday 12 September.
“ The suspect was arrested and found in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims. The victims’ properties and the rented vehicle were recovered and confiscated,” said Sekgotodi.
The Hawks Provincial Head, Major-General Nicholas Gerber, welcomed the swift apprehension of the suspect and recovery of the alleged stolen property by the multidisciplinary team.
General Gerber furthermore said tourists visit Mpumalanga to boost the economy of the province and said their safety must be secured against criminals who aim to harm them or threaten their safety.
“ Such senseless attacks threaten the economy and send a negative image to the rest of the world. The Hawks team took over the investigation to ensure the speedy arrest of the culprits,” said General Gerber.
He urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding two suspects to contact the police.
Captain Sekgotodi said the arrested suspect will appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on 16 September on the said charges of attempted murder and robbery.
