| 2024/07/02 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – Ernest Nkosi (37) is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrate’s Court today, 02 July 2024 for possession of a reportedly hijacked vehicle. Yesterday, 01 July 2024, Nkosi appeared at the same court on armed robbery charges. His court appearances came after South African Police Service members from Belfast collaborated their efforts with farmers in the area, which led to his arrest. It is said that on Friday, 28 June 2024 a farmer was allegedly robbed of his vehicle as well as undisclosed amount of cash at a certain farm in Belfast. It is further reported that during the incident, the victim was busy paying his employees when four suspects driving in two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz sedan and and a VW Polo suddenly showed up and then allegedly attacked him. It is also alleged that Nkosi was amongst the suspects and the victim was held at gunpoint and forced into the rear side of a bakkie before they took off with him. One farmer is said to have suspected that there was something sinister was going on, by the manner in which the bakkie was traveling. He then followed the bakkie whilst summoning assistance from other neighbouring farmers. The escape route was immediately blocked and that was when two suspects abandoned the bakkie then jumped into a Mercedes Benz. Meanwhile, the men and women in Blue were alerted about the incident and they immediately proceeded to the scene. The Mercedes Benz was spotted again at a certain farm nearby. It was during this period when the Police in conjunction with farmers cornered the vehicle however, suspects realised that they had ran out of plans. They then abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels to evade the arrest. One of the occupants (Nkosi) was soon caught and found hiding in the nearby bushes and it was during this time when he was arrested. Preliminary investigation has since revealed that the Mercedes Benz was fitted with false registration number plates and it was reportedly hijacked at Verena in May this year (2024). The suspect will be facing a charge of possession of reportedly hijacked vehicle when he makes his appearance in Court today, 01 July 2024. Police are currently hard at work and doing their best to bring the other suspects behind bars and members of the public with information on 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.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the partnership that was displayed between the Police and the farmers. “We encourage communities in other areas to emulate from this incident that yielded positive results. The Provincial Management commend you for not taking the law into your hands, but involved the authorities in resolving the matter,” said the General.
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