The Police in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, made a breakthrough with the arrest of a male suspect (35) as well as the recovery of various items, including firearms with ammunition and suspected stolen properties. The operation was carried on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 after information was obtained and coordinated by members from the Mpumalanga Tracking team.
Other stakeholders involved in the operation were the Tracking team, Fidelity Security Company, and Divergent Security Company.
According to further information, the astute team applied for a search warrant after being satisfied that there was a possibility of something sinister inside a certain house in Valencia, Nelspruit.
Upon arrival at the place, the suspect initially attempted to evade arrest by locking the doors. However, the members managed to gain entry and discovered various items, including a rifle, two shotguns, a pistol, .38 revolver, a rifle, dozens of ammunition, jewellery, wristwatches, new (sealed) mobile phones from brands such as iPhone, Samsung, Galaxy, and Huawei Nova.
The team also recovered two vehicles, a silver Toyota Cross and a white Toyota Etios.
The suspect is faced with charges of possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition and possession of suspected stolen properties. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were previously used in the commission of crimes elsewhere.
The male suspect is expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on, Thursday 28 November 2024.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the members and the team for their dedication and hard work. “We are very delighted about this breakthrough, especially with the recovery of the firearms which are often used in the commission of crimes,” said General Mkhwanazi.
Male suspect arrested and various suspected stolen items recovered, including firearms and ammunition https://t.co/JQtTFrPEUP#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/cjNO4ztPwM
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 28, 2024