A joint operation between members of the SAPS from Komatipoort Crime Intelligence and Vispol at Matsulu yielded positive results as five suspects aged between 20 and 37 were arrested on Thursday, 14 October 2021.
The suspects were apprehended at Matsulu and Pienaar respectively for possession of explosives, possession of an AK47 rifle, as well as for armed robbery and for contravention of a protection order.
According to information as reported, the said members intercepted a group of about four suspects who were in a mission to commit crime around Matsulu area.
An operation was then conducted where certain identified houses were searched and as a result, explosives as well as the said rifle, which is prohibited by law were recovered.
Police believe that their arrest will assist in resolving some of the robbery cases in the area and the surrounding areas.
The seized rifle will form part of the probe and one of the arrested suspects has been in the run for quite some time as he was sought for other crimes that he allegedly committed.
Meanwhile, the fifth suspect was arrested by the said members after information was brought to the (members) that he allegedly violated a Protection Order. The suspects are due to appear before court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has welcomed their arrest and applauded the members for their resilience in ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from the society. The General further admired the collaborative work displayed by the team in ensuring that the suspects were brought to book.
