Four suspects aged between 18 and 24 were arrested for being allegedly involved in a business burglary on Thursday, 14 September 2023 in the Tonga policing precinct.
The suspects were reportedly found hitch-hiking in Block B near Tonga in the early hours of the said day at about 01h00 am. Police stopped with the intention to search them, but two fled when they noticed the police.
Two that remained were searched and suspected stolen properties, including various brands of cigarettes as well as alcohol beverages were found in their possession. The suspects could not account for the properties in their possession hence they were arrested.
Both suspects, Issac Khoza (18) and Sizwe Khoza (18) appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Friday 15 September 2023. They were granted bail of R500 each and expected to return to court on Monday, 18 September 2023.
Further information surfaced through investigation which led to the arrest of the two believed to have reportedly evaded arrest earlier. They were arrested in Schoemansdal at about 14:00 on day their fellows were in court.
The latest suspects to be arrested, aged 18 and 24 will make their appearance in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 September 2023.
In a separate incident, Tonga police recovered a reportedly hijacked Toyota Quantum at Mzinti. Police on patrol during night shift spotted the said minibus which was driving at a high speed. Police directed the driver to stop but all police directives were ignored.
Police then gave a chase which ended when the vehicle bumped into a tree. Two occupants are said to have alighted from the car then fled the scene.
Police reportedly found a firearm next to the vehicle and it is suspected that it might have fallen from the suspects as they were evading the arrest.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects could have been involved in a business burglary at Kamdladla near Tonga and later the alleged suspects hijacked the kombi at about 22:00 to be used as a gateway vehicle.
Both the vehicle and the firearm were confiscated for further investigation.
Police in Tonga urge anyone who might have information regarding this matter to 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.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members for their relentless efforts in fighting crime.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48441.
