The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the swift actions of the Ermelo K9 Unit and Chrissiesmeer Detectives as they arrested two male suspects, aged 29 and 41.
The breakthrough was achieved after a businessman (63) was shot inside the vehicle at Chrissiesmeer (near Carolina) whilst traveling with two other occupants to the Kingdom of Eswatini in the evening of Wednesday, July 31.
According to Mkhwanazi, the other two occupants reportedly escaped without any injuries.
“Soon after this tragic shooting incident, police were alerted about the situation. Their immediate response and dedication to serving the community were instrumental in the investigation that unfolded as they quickly regrouped and began canvassing the area,”
“It was during their patrol, when they spotted a grey A5 Audi SUV without registration number plates, driving in a high speed. The officers expertly pursued the car, and after a brief chase, successfully cornered the two suspects,” he said.
Mkhwanazi, also said upon searching the vehicle, police recovered a firearm with ammunition and the weapon is believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
“The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere hence Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the probe continues,” said Mkhwanazi.
He added that currently the investigation is underway and the suspects were taken into custody where they are faced with multiple charges, including murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
The pair already appeared at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 02 the case is postponed to August 05 for formal bail application.
