Three suspects arrested in connection with business robberies in Hazyview and KaBokweni

Three male suspects, aged between 27 and 36, were arrested in connection with recent armed business robberies. The trio appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Thursday May 4, and were remanded in custody until May 10 for a formal bail application.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the suspects were arrested between May 4 and 5 in connection with the recent robbery incidents in Masoyi, Hazyview and KaBokweni.

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“Two firearms, a revolver and a 9mm pistol were confiscated from the suspects. One of the recovered firearms was found to have its serial numbers filed off. The suspects were nabbed during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Ehlanzeni District Crime Intelligence Task Team, supported by their counterparts from Tactical Response.

“One of the suspects, Zweli Mnisi (29), was cornered in Mahushe near Masoyi outside White River, in possession of a revolver, but without ammunition. Through investigation, the second suspect, Donald Maluleke (27), was arrested in the same area and found in possession of a 9mm pistol with three rounds of live ammunition. A third suspect, Thokozani Leyane (36), was arrested after allegedly stealing a community JoJo tank during a police operation in the area,” said Mohlala.

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He said Maluleke was reportedly spotted by some members of the community, who immediately alerted the police. He was driving a bakkie, and before he was apprehended, he attempted to evade arrest by speeding off. However, the police gave chase, and he was cornered and arrested. He is facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen property, while the other two suspects are facing charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition.