HAZYVIEW – A 29-year-old man suspected for the rape that took place at Tatenda Guest House early this month has been arrested.
On that particular day, two women were awakened by two men at gunpoint who demanded money. The thugs ransacked the room and robbed the victims of three cell phones, jewellery and allegedly raped them.
The arrest of the suspect sequels from another robbery which took place on Thursday, at Kruger Park Lodge also in Hazyview. In this robbery, the same suspect, together with two other accomplices, broke into two chalets, one occupied by two women from Boksburg and the other by an elderly couple from Cape Town. The victims were robbed of amongst other things, cash, cell phones, cameras and I-Pads.
After the incident was reported, the police embarked on an extensive search of the villains and within a few hours managed to apprehend a 25-year-old man, who was found at Marite Village near Hazyview. The man was in possession of some of the items belonging to the victims.
The search by police continued and later information was received about the second suspect who was spotted in the bushes of the same village. The police acted on that information which led to the arrest of the suspect in possession of suspected stolen items.
The police are in the process of unravelling more criminal activities involving the suspect. It is believed that he is part of a gang working in groups wreaking havoc to holiday makers.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thulani Ntobela is pleased with the arrest of the suspects and strongly emphasised that all the suspects must be found.
He further asked the community to work with the police in their quest to fight crime around the area by forwarding relevant information that will lead to the arrest of criminals in and around Hazyview.
“Though the robberies in Hazyview remain a cause for concern, it must be borne in mind that the SAPS management is doing all in its disposal to counter and stabilise criminal activities in the province,” said Ntobela.
He added that during the financial year 2012/2013, the police in Mpumalanga managed to reduce robbery with aggravating circumstances by 17.8% and robbery at business premises with 15.5%.
“This is indicative that our diligence and cooperation with the community is effective and thus bears fruit,” he concluded.
The suspects will appear before the White River Magistrate’s Court today.
