BADPLAAS – Five suspects aged between 27 and 39, including two Zimbabwean nationals, will be appearing before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, following a business robbery that occurred at Badplaas.
According to police an Intelligence driven sting operation was executed by police in Badplaas and Middelburg Crime Intelligence Unit, following the tavern robbery committed on Sunday. It is alleged that an undisclosed amount of money, laptops, liquor and other items were taken at gunpoint by the suspects.
The operation led the police to an informal settlement in Avalon Section at Mhluzi near Middelburg, where the suspects were arrested at their respective hideouts.
Police stated that further investigations have revealed that one of the firearms was stolen from the lawful owner during a house robbery on Thursday, 29 May 2014, at approximately 17:00, at Uitkomst Farm at Waterval Boven. Both firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in the commission of other crimes.
“The suspects are now facing charges of business robbery, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said the police statement.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thulani Ntobela has praised the team for the sterling job. He also commended the efforts displayed by the members for working tirelessly, following all possible leads to the apprehension of the suspects.
