| 2025/01/10 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – Three male suspects have been arrested in connection with a tragic incident that took place on Thursday afternoon, 09 January 2025 around 15h00 along the R543 (De Wet) Road in Piet Retief, where three males were fatally shot in an incident believed to be associated with taxi conflict. Subsequent to the incident, various stakeholders came on board and assisted hence the three male persons were cornered on the N17 Road whilst driving in a white VW Polo with Gauteng registration number plates. The four firearms, including a rifle and three pistols with ammunition were also found hidden inside the said vehicle. The circumstances surrounding this incident are still being investigated by the Mpumalanga team, consisting of Murder and Robbery Unit, Detectives, Crime Intelligence and other role players are hard at work. A thorough investigation to this incident is underway and more details will be provided in due course. At this point, the motive for the killing remains unknown. Two people are said to have sustained some injuries during the incident. The Police are so grateful for the collaboration, support and swift response that was displayed by all stakeholders in this incident, including POLSEC, private security, farmers, various units within the SAPS as well as all other law enforcement agencies, and the community members at large. The suspects are expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 January 2025 facing three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and robbery with a firearm. More charges could possibly be added as the investigation continues. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his gratitude for the swift response by all involved parties and bringing the situation under control. “We call on everyone to remain calm and give law enforcement a space to deal with the situation whilst allowing the team that has been assigned, but conduct their investigation. We also discourage people from resorting to violence but they should opt for peaceful and amicable resolutions to disputes, ” said the General.
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