A 32-year-old man has been arrested and two others taken in for questioning following the armed robbery of a man outside Elawini Lifestyle Estate on Wednesday afternoon, November 29.
According to a statement by a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the police also recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition during the arrest.
He said the victim was in his vehicle with a family member when the incident occurred.
They had just withdrawn some cash from a bank and were returning to the estate when they were allegedly accosted by a group of about three armed suspects.
Mohlala said it was reported that a white VW Polo had overtaken and blocked the victim’s vehicle.
“The suspects are said to have alighted from their vehicle, shooting randomly, and forced the two victims out of their vehicle. The suspects allegedly robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash and then fled the scene,” said Mohlala.
The matter was reported to the police and the available information was circulated among law enforcement agencies.
At about 15:30, the police were patrolling the N4 near Karino when they spotted the said VW Polo passing near the Mpumalanga University. Mohlala said a chase ensued until they all reached the KaNymazane area.
He said a suspect jumped from the vehicle and tried to climb over a wall, but was cornered and caught by the SAPS.
“While searching him, they reportedly found a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds. The serial numbers had been filed off. He was then arrested and charged accordingly.”
Mohlala said the suspect will possibly be charged for the armed robbery that occurred outside the estate.
He said two other men were taken in for questioning regarding the robbery and the investigation is still continuing.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, December 1.
