The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of two male suspects, aged 27 and 39 respectively.
The men are alleged to have been involved in a business robbery incident which took place around 02:00 on 25 February 2022, wherein an ATM was forcefully removed and taken by the suspects at a certain fuel station at Charl Celliers near Secunda.
According to the report by police, about five armed male suspects stormed into a certain kiosk at a fuel station in Charl Celliers and held the employees at gunpoint. Some of the suspects were wearing police bullet proof vests.
It is said that the suspects, who carried heavy calibre firearms (including rifles) then tied the employees and detached the ATM machine before loading it (ATM machine) into a trailer.
The suspects are said to have then towed the said trailer with one of their vehicles and drove off. One of their getaway vehicles was a BMW X3.
The incident was eventually reported to police who swiftly responded and activated their resources in a manhunt for the suspects. The members then spotted the BMW X3 with two occupants and the vehicle matched the description as provided.
A high speed chase then ensued between police and the suspects until the BMW was brought to a halt by the members near Morgenzon around 08:00. Police then conducted a search of the vehicle and its occupants where they discovered some number plates as well as a certain object believed to have been used in removing the ATM.
The two suspects were then arrested and charged for business robbery. The vehicle was also confiscated and it will form part of the investigation. Meanwhile the two men are expected to appear at the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 February 202. Police investigation continues.
Police are still looking for the remaining suspects and urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS APP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked members for the swift response in arresting the suspects and also ordered for the arrest of the outstanding suspects. “Whilst appreciating the work done, we urge the public to come forth with information regarding the suspects as well as the stolen ATM. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to book together with the firearms used” commented the General.
