POLOKWANE – Police spokeperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says members attached to the Mankweng Crime Prevention Unit arrested two suspects aged 32 and 37-years-old for robbery.
The two suspects, from Nelspruit and Orlando West respectively, were part of a group of four suspects who robbed a 75-year-old businessman of an amount of cash.
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“The members were on patrol when they spotted a white Toyota sedan driving at a high speed through the streets of Hlahlaganya section in Mankweng township and immediately gave chase. The other two suspects managed to evade arrest by jumping out of the vehicle during the chase,” Ngoepe explained.
The two remaining suspects were cornered and nabbed soon after entering the street that leads to the police station. The police recovered the money and confiscated the vehicle.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended the members for their vigilance and alertness when conducting festive season operations.
“As we proceed with the implementation of our operational plans for the festive season, one takes pride to realize that our members on the ground are much more determined to root out criminality. Our presence in the streets of our townships, villages and everywhere will make our people feel safe and secure,” said General Ledwaba.
He concluded by urging communities to be extra vigilant, especially after withdrawing large amounts of money as criminals are opportunistic and will always prey on unsuspecting victims.
The arrested suspects will appear in the Mankweng Magistrate court soon on charges of robbery.
“Further investigations are continuing to possibly link them with other serious crimes,” Ngoepe concluded.