Three men who allegedly robbed an elderly woman of her cellphone and dragged her behind their white Toyota Hilux for a short distance were arrested yesterday afternoon, October 11 at the Total fuel station in Steiltes.
The attack unfolded shortly before 11:45 on the Sterkspruit Road outside Mbombela when the suspects pointed a firearm at the woman and grabbed her cellphone.
As she tried to take back her cellphone, they drove off, dragging her along.
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After being left behind in a cloud of dust, the woman ran to a nearby compound and reported the incident to the induna.
He immediately informed his employer who then alerted the Sterkspruit CPF.
Various security companies were mobilised. A joint operation ensued which resulted in the vehicle being spotted and followed towards Uitkyk, and then the Total fuel station in Steiltes.
This is where the three men’s run came to an end.
The suspects were found in possession of a range of weapons and stolen goods, including the elderly woman’s cellphone.
Police were unable to confirm the exact charges, but sources involved in the arrest confirmed the woman, who sustained minor injuries, opened a case at the Nelspruit SAPS and the men will make their first appearance in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
They are reportedly being investigated for their involvement in various serious crimes.
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