| 2024/05/02 |
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Media Statement NESLPRUIT – A male suspect was fatally wounded during a shootout with members of the Police at Tweefontein in the early hours of today, Wednesday 02 May 2024 around 01:00. Meanwhile, two other suspects, aged 19 and 21 were arrested at the scene in Tweefontein G. According to a report, a group of armed suspects stormed into a certain fuel station in Tweefontein and began by knocking at the door of the security guards. When they did not get a response, it is said that they detonated some explosives in an effort to access cash from the ATM’s within the premises. During that time it is said that others managed to alert the police about the unfolding event. The SAPS members never hesitated but responded swiftly and found the suspects still at the scene. It was during this time when suspects began firing shots towards the SAPS members whilst trying to flee from the scene. The men and women in Blue responded accordingly and it was during this period when one of the suspects was fatally wounded. Though some of the suspects evaded the arrest, the two that were lying at a dark spot behind the filling station, thinking no one would see where they were hiding. However, the astute members managed to sniff them out of their hiding place then arrested them. Police managed to recover some empty cartridges at the scene. The two suspects were charged for contravention of the Explosives Act of South Africa meanwhile circumstances surrounding the shooting and death of the third suspect (who has not yet been identified) is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) wherein a case of inquest has been opened. Police are still in pursuit of the remaining suspects who fled and anyone who knows their whereabouts can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. Preliminary investigation has since revealed that the two arrested suspects are originally from Mozambique. Police are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the country. There were no reports of injuries from the two suspects, who are expected to appear at Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspects. “We are very much elated by the arrests of the two suspects and thanks to members of the SAPS who responded swiftly. We are so proud to have members of such calibre. We hope that this success will somehow encourage members of the public to have more trust on Police as they are mandated to serve community interests on matters of safety,” said the General.
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