Man arrested in Barberton for attacks on tourists
The suspect is expected to face charges of attempted murder and armed robbery after a Dutch tourist was attacked.
A 42-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the Dutch tourists’ attacks that occurred on Tuesday, September 10 at about 11:40 along the R35 road between Barberton and eManzana, also known as Badplaas.
According to a provincial Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, it is alleged that on the day in question, the couple Dutch tourists were driving a rented Toyota Cross when a dark-colored VW Polo passed them.
“They kept on driving when the Polo with three occupants drove parallel to their vehicle and fired a gunshot at the driver, injuring the driver on his right hand. They then stopped their vehicle. Three suspects pointed the victims with firearms and robbed them of their belongings, two cellphones. Three bankcards, R5000 cash, passports, as well as an international driver’s license, fled the crime scene towards Barberton,” she said.
Sekgotodi said on Thursday, September 12, the Hawks led an intelligence-driven operation following information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect.
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LISTEN: Captain Dineo Sekgotodi reports
@lowvelder A 42-year-old suspect was arrested in Barberton in connection with the attack on the Dutch tourists that occurred along the R35 between Barberton and eManzana on Tuesday, September 10. According to a provincial Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the Dutch couple were driving a rented Toyota Cross when a dark-coloured VW Polo passed them. “They kept on driving when the Polo with three occupants was driven parallel to their vehicle and a gunshot was fired at the driver, injuring his right hand. They stopped their rental car. The three suspects held the victims up with firearms and robbed them of their belongings; two cellphones, three bank cards, R5 000 in cash, passports and an international driver’s licence, and fled the crime scene towards Barberton,” she said. Sekgotodi said on Thursday, September 12, the Hawks led an intelligence-driven operation with Crime Intelligence and the Flying Squad, following information regarding the whereabouts of one of the suspects. “The suspect was arrested and found in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims. He was charged and detained and is expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 16, facing charges of attempted murder and armed robbery, while the other two suspects are still at large. The victims’ property and the rented vehicle were recovered and confiscated,” said Sekgotodi. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s provincial head, Major General Nicholas Gerber, gave a stern warning to criminals who threaten and harm tourists as they visit the province and boost the economy. He said such senseless attacks threaten the economy and send a negative message to the rest of the world. He further requested anyone with information about the other two suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Elbert de Lange, on 071 481 2815. #attack #tourism #mpumalanga🇿🇦
A team comprising of Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, and Flying Squad operationalized the information.
“The suspect was arrested and found in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims. The suspect was charged and detained and is expected to appear in Barberton Magistrate’s Court Monday, September 16, facing charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. While the other two suspects are still at large. The victims’ properties and the rented vehicle were recovered and confiscated,” said Sekgotodi.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nicholas Gerber, applauded the multidisciplinary team for the speedy arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen property.
He further gave a stern warning to criminals who threaten and harm tourists’s safety as they visit the province and boost the economy. Such senseless attacks threaten the economy and send a negative impact to the rest of the world.
The Hawks team took over the investigation to ensure the speedy arrest of the culprits.
He further requests anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding two suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Elbert De Lange, on 071 481 2815.
