17-year-old arrested for murder near Bushbuckridge
While the police have arrested a teenager in connection with the murder of a Bushbuckridge tuck-shop owner, a second suspect is still being sought.
The Bushbuckridge SAPS has arrested a 17-year-old following the murder of a Bushbuckridge tuck-shop owner that occurred in the early hours of October 1.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the 17-year-old and an accomplice, who is still being sought by the SAPS, allegedly gunned down tuck-shop owner Edwin Malele (55) at a four-way stop in Shatale near Bushbuckridge during a hijacking attempt.
Malele had stopped his Opel Corsa at the four-way stop at about 02:30 when the suspects approached the vehicle. Mohlala said the two had tried to hijack the victim and during a scuffle, he was shot in his upper body. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his wounds.
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Mohlala said after the failed hijacking and shooting, the minor allegedly hijacked a Nissan light delivery vehicle and fled the scene. The other suspect fled on foot.
The owner of the bakkie was reportedly unharmed.
“The incident was reported to the police in Bushbuckridge and a case was opened. An investigation was conducted in which information was followed and the hijacked vehicle was found parked next to a tavern in Shatale. That is where the suspect was also cornered and arrested,” said Mohlala.
“During his arrest, the SAPS found an unlicensed firearm with its serial numbers filed off.”
He said he was charged with murder and hijacking. The teen was expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on October 3. Lowvelder is awaiting a response from the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority on the outcome of his appearance.
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Mohlala added that the police are working collaboratively with probation officers as the suspect is underage.
He said the recovered firearm would go for ballistic testing to determine whether the weapon had been previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere.
The police are still tracing the second suspect. The public is urged to assist with information on his whereabouts by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or sending information via the My SAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
