A total of twenty eight (28) suspects are due to appear at the various Magistrate’s Courts tomorrow on charges of murder, attempted murder, business robbery, attempted ATM bombing, possession of suspected stolen vehicles and possession of unlicensed firearms following their arrest over the weekend in Bronkhorstspruit, Ennerdale, Mayfair West and other areas. Police also seized stolen vehicles, explosives and 23 firearms including pistols and revolvers during the weekend.
One (1) of the suspects aged 27 who was arrested for murder, is an accomplice of two other suspects who appeared at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate Court on Friday for the killing of a Magistrate, Victor Mabunda, in Bronkhorstspruit early in January this year. The suspects’ case was postponed and they were remanded in custody until 12 February for a formal bail application and further investigation.
In Ennerdale, police arrested three suspects who attempted to bomb an ATM at the Spar supermarket. The suspects were found in possession of explosives while they were planning to bomb an ATM. Police search them and found a pistol. Their gateway vehicle, a VW Jetta, was impounded for further investigation. Further investigation is continuing as they are suspected to be part of a gang involved in ATM bombings and other serious and violent crimes.
Three other suspects, who were involved in a shoot-out with police, were arrested in Mayfair West following an armed robbery of a food outlet. One of the suspects was shot and wounded and he is under police guard at the hospital. Police seized two unlicensed firearms, undisclosed amount of money and packets of cigarettes. The suspects aged 20, 21 and 23 are due to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on charges of attempted murder, business robbery and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
In Mamelodi, police seized a stolen Mercedes Benz, a Ford Ranger and unlicensed revolver following a house robbery. Three suspects who were driving in Ford Ranger stolen during a house robbery were confronted by members of the Flying Squad. They abandoned the vehicle and jumped into a Mercedes Benz but did not manage to escape. Police arrested them and discovered that their gateway vehicle, a Mercedes Benz, was also hijacked during December. They will appear at the Moretele Magistrate Court on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of stolen vehicles and house robbery.
Other suspects were found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition during police routine patrols over the weekend and will appear at the Various Magistrate Courts tomorrow.
Police are also appealing to the members of the public to look out for any suspicious people and vehicles and report such information to the local police or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 at all hours. Information that may result in the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in serious and violent crimes may be awarded.
Source: South African Police Service