Nelspruit: 24 August 2023- Ehlanzeni District Crime Intelligent Task Team driven operation led to the arrest of a 35 year old bartender in one of the local bars in Shatale, Bushbuckridge yesterday Wednesday 23 August 2023 at about 21:00. The Task Team and Lydenburg K9 unit followed up an information pertaining to the bartender who was always in possession of firearms for hire to criminals who were involved in a number of fuel stations and business robberies as well as drop in safe bombings.
There are also allegations that the suspect sometimes takes part in these criminal activities. Out of the three firearms, one firearm belonged to the late owner of the bar which was reported stolen in Bushbuckridge a while ago. The other firearm does not show any records of ownership of which there are great possibilities that it might have been smuggled into the Republic and the third firearm's serial number has been filled out.
In addition to the recovered fireams, a plastic bag full of dagga was also recovered. The suspect is expected to appear in Bushbuckridge Magistrate's Court today, Thursday 24 August 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended members for the exceptionally gathered information. "Mpumalanga police management strongly believe that more business robbery cases in Bushbuckridge and surrounding will now be solved," said the General. She further added that business people should vet their prospective employees to avoid hiring criminals.