A 42 year-old suspect, is expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday, September 16 2024, for attempted murder and armed robbery of the Dutch tourists.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 10 September 104 at about 11:40 along R35 road between Barberton and Badplaas.
According to a provincial Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, it is alleged that on the day in question, the couple Dutch tourists, were driving a rented Toyota Cross when a dark coloured VW Polo passed them.
“They kept on driving when the Polo with three occupants drove parallel to their vehicle and fired at the driver, injuring the driver on his right hand. They stopped their vehicle. Three suspects pointed the victims with firearms and robbed them of their belongings, two cellphones. three bankcards, R5000 cash, passports as well as an international driver’s license and fled the crime scene towards Barberton,” she said.
Sekgotodi added that on Thursday, September 12, the Hawks led an intelligence driven operation following information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect. A team comprising of Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence and Flying Squad operationalised the information. The suspect was arrested and found in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims
She added that The suspect was charged, and detained pending his first court appearance on Monday. Two suspects are still at large. The victims’ properties and the rented vehicle were recovered and confiscated.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nicholas Gerber, applauded the multidisciplinary team for the speedy arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen property.
He further gave a stern warning to criminals who threaten and harm tourists safety as they visit the province and boost the economy.
Such senseless attacks on tourists threaten the economy and sends a negative impact to the rest of the world.
The Hawks team took over the investigation to ensure the speedy arrest of the culprits. He further requests anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding two suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Elbert De Lange on 071 481 2815.
The General further assured the public that information provided will be dealt with confidentially. He concluded.
