Business robbery suspect arrested
A 27-year-old suspect, believed to be involved in a number of business robberies and burglaries across the province, was apprehended by members of the Crime Intelligence Unit in Tonga on Monday.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, the police conducted an intelligence-driven operation in search of the suspects behind incidents that saw several businesses being hit by burglaries and robberies in the past months.
“The members proceeded to Schoemansdal in Nkomazi and cornered the said man. Upon further investigation, the members discovered that the very same suspect is linked to number of robbery and burglary incidents, including the two business robberies and burglaries reported to have occurred in September and October.
The businesses affected include OBC Butchery, Picardi Liquor Store, PEP, Roots Butchery, Total Sports, Foot Gear and a shop that sells traditional items in Tonga Mall.
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During the robberies, some explosives were detonated and undisclosed amounts of cash and large volumes of alcoholic beverages were stolen,” said Mohlala.
He said further investigations by the police revealed that the suspect allegedly took part in a business robbery in October, in which a group of suspects got away with a large amount of cash from safes after detonating explosives. “Several businesses suffered losses, including Boxer Supermarket in Schoemansdal, and U-Save and a fuel station in Driekoppies near Schoemansdal.
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The suspect is also fingered in a business robbery that occurred at Elukwatini near Badplaas in October. The suspect was charged accordingly on Tuesday and will make an appearance in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court,” said Mohlala
