Attack on Dutch tourists: Man arrested in Barberton, 2 sought

A 42-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack on Dutch tourists along the R35 road between Barberton and eManzana (formerly Badplaas) on Tuesday at around 11:40.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the tourists were driving a rented Toyota Cross when a dark-coloured VW Polo with three occupants approached them.

“They continued driving when the Polo drove parallel to their vehicle and a shot was fired, injuring the driver’s right hand. The tourists were forced to stop, and the suspects, armed with firearms, robbed them of two cellphones, three bank cards, R5 000 in cash, passports, and an international driver’s licence before fleeing towards Barberton,” said Sekgotodi.

An intelligence-driven operation led by the Hawks resulted in the arrest of the suspect yesterday. He was found in possession of the stolen items. The team included the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Crime Intelligence, and the Flying Squad.

The suspect will appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. The other two suspects remain at large, but the victims’ belongings and the rented vehicle have been recovered.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head Major General Nicholas Gerber praised the team for the swift arrest and recovery of the stolen property. He issued a strong warning to criminals targeting tourists, saying such attacks harm the province’s economy and reputation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the other two suspects is urged to contact detective Warrant Officer Elbert de Lange on 071 481 2815.

Video: 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🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media