Suspect arrested for alleged armed robbery, possession of hijacked vehicle
The suspect appeared in the Belfast Magistrate's Court yesterday and is due for another appearance today after allegedly robbing a farmer of cash and his vehicle.
Ernest Nkosi (37) is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrate’s Court today for possession of a hijacked vehicle after appearing in the same court yesterday on armed robbery charges.
His court appearances came after South African Police Service members from Belfast collaborated their efforts with farmers in the area, which led to his arrest.
According to a media statement, on Friday, 28 June a farmer was allegedly robbed of his vehicle as well as undisclosed amount of cash at a farm in Belfast.
It is further reported that during the incident, the victim was busy paying his employees when four suspects driving in two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz sedan and and a VW Polo suddenly showed up and then allegedly attacked him.
It is also alleged that Nkosi was amongst the suspects and that the victim was held at gunpoint and forced into back of a bakkie before they took off with him.
Another farmer is said to have become suspicious by the manner in which the bakkie was traveling. He then followed the bakkie whilst summoning assistance from other neighbouring farmers.
The escape route was immediately blocked and that was when two suspects abandoned the bakkie then jumped into a Mercedes Benz.
Meanwhile, police were alerted about the incident and they immediately proceeded to the scene. The Mercedes Benz was spotted again at a certain farm nearby.
It was during this period when the police in conjunction with the farmers cornered the vehicle. The suspects then abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels to evade the arrest.
One of the occupants (Nkosi) was soon found hiding in nearby bushes and subsequently arrested.
Preliminary investigation has since revealed that the Mercedes Benz was fitted with false registration number plates and it was reportedly hijacked at Verena in May this year.
The suspect will be facing a charge of possession of reportedly hijacked vehicle when he makes his appearance in Court today.
Police are currently hard at work and doing their best to bring the other suspects behind bars and members of the public with information on their whereabouts can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the partnership that was displayed between the Police and the farmers.
“We encourage communities in other areas to emulate from this incident that yielded positive results. The Provincial Management commend you for not taking the law into your hands, but involved the authorities in resolving the matter, ” said the General.
