Three suspects aged between 37 and 39 have been arrested following a reported business robbery at a clothing shop in Elukwatini on Friday, October 16.
The suspects were arrested by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Team from Ehlanzeni, Divergent Ops Security Company and the Provincial Tracking Task Team.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the arrests followed a tracking operation after police received information about a black Toyota RunX allegedly linked to the robbery.
Ndubane said that at approximately 15:30 on Friday, October 16, members were conducting tracing and tracking duties when they received information about the vehicle reportedly involved in the robbery.
“The team was mobilised, and tracking and tracing functions were initiated. Surveillance was conducted while the team was driving towards Nelspruit, and the vehicle was located in Bester Street and successfully intercepted with its three occupants,” Ndubane said.
She explained that police searched the suspects but did not find any firearms. However, a subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered clothing, a cellphone, watches and gift cards believed to have been taken from the shop.
The recovered items included boxes of gift cards, sets of clothing belonging to the shop, an Honor cellphone and new shop account cards.
“During this period, the three suspects were apprehended and charged with possession of suspected stolen property,” Ndubane explained.
During preliminary investigations, one of the suspects was allegedly found in possession of a cellphone and cards suspected to have been stolen during the robbery.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 19, where they are expected to face charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
Police have not indicated whether further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
The suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
