| 2024/03/18 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended members of the Police Detectives for the exceptional work done in a case of burglary at a residential premises in Chrissiesmeer whereby a firearm was stolen back in September 2015. Though the incident occurred more than 8 years ago, remarkably enough Police managed to arrest the suspect, Bheki Joseph Bhembe (36). Further than that, the members recovered a firearm inside an old reservoir. The male suspect is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, 18 March 2024 following his first appearance at the same court on 11 March 2024. It is reported that the said burglary case was opened in September 2015 whereby a suspect broke into a certain house and somehow stole a firearm inside a safe. During the time of the incident, the owner of the house was not at home. The manner on how the suspect accessed the safe forms part of Police investigation. After a case was assigned to a team of investigators at Chrissiesmeer, the Men and women in Blue worked around the clock to crack the case. The investigation led members to the suspect who was sniffed out of his hiding place at Chrissiesmeer on Friday, 08 March 2024 around 17h00. After his arrest, the investigation continued and directed them to the location of where the firearm was hidden. Members from White River Diving Unit were also brought on board to assist. The team went into an old reservoir in Chrissiesmeer. It was at this place where a firearm as well as some ammunition were retrieved inside the reservoir. The suspect was charged hence he was taken to court. Today (18 March 2024), during his court appearance, the suspect is expected to make a formal bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant further emphasized that the said breakthrough should serve as an indication that the Detective Services of the Police have the capacity to deal with even most difficult cases that they may be investigating. “We are delighted with the progress made on the case. What we request from the victims of crime is to ensure that they know who is investigating their cases and if they do not get joy in the manner their cases are probed then they are free to approach the Branch Commanders at respective stations. In an instance where they have any information that may be regarded as crucial or valuable to the case then they should immediately approach the Investigation Officer assigned to the case,” said the General.
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