| 2024/07/14 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – A 19-year-old suspect is expected to appear before White River Magistrate’s Court on Monday 15 July 2024, in connection with a robbery perpetrated at a clothing shop at Lowveld Mall in Hazyview on Friday, 12 July 2024. The suspect from Marite allegedly entered the clothing shop pretending to be a customer at about 17:20. He allegedly selected items from the shelves and proceeded to the cash register to pay. According to information, the items were valued at about R10 000. He then attempted to pay with a bank card, but the transaction could not go through. The suspect pretended to sort out the problem with his card on his phone. When the cashier was still waiting, the suspect took out a firearm and instructed the cashier not to attempt anything. The suspect fled the scene on foot with items from the shop. The cashier immediately screamed for help. The store manager chased the suspect that was cornered shortly with the assistance of the Mall security. He was found with the robbed items and a firearm. The suspect was taken to Hazyview police station. Upon closer inspection of the firearm, it was found that the serial numbers were filed off. It was further established that the firearm was not loaded. The suspect was arrested for business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm. The firearm will be taken to ballistic for further investigation. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi said most robberies are committed with firearms that are circulating in the wrong hands. He further said police in Mpumalanga will intensify their efforts to remove firearms from criminals. “The police appreciates the bold move displayed by the store manager and security personnel that assisted in the arrest of the suspect,” added the General. Ends
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