Two suspects aged 32 and 36 were arrested and detained during a multidisciplinary intelligence driven operation conducted by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation together with the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit on Tuesday, 09 January 2024 around Ehlanzeni policing area.
The arrest followed after information was received during the investigation of a house breaking and theft case whereby the residence of the Hawks Mpumalanga Provincial Head was broken into and valuable and expensive property was stolen.
It is alleged that the Provincial Head left his place of residence in Nelspruit during December 2023. Upon arrival back in Nelspruit he discovered a break in at his residence. Investigation was conducted. Information was received from a witnesses linking a suspicious motor vehicle to the crime scene. Further investigation led to the tracing of the alleged vehicle utilized in the commission of the burglary. The owner of the vehicle, a 36 years old suspect was arrested. The arresting team linked the suspect to the crime scene. Further Information led to the arrest of the second suspect, 32 years old, at Steiltes, Nelspruit.
All stolen items had been recovered. During further investigation items which were linked to other house breaking cases committed by the suspects were recovered. Additional case of possession of stolen property was opened for further investigation. The suspects will be charged and appear at Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Thursday, 11 January 2024.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber said in his response “I am so humbled but extremely proud of the members Serious Organised Crime Investigation Nelspruit and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. This is teamwork and commitment.
The Provincial Head further applauded the community of Mpumalanga for their assistance by providing information which led to the successful arrest of the perpetrators.
He further warned the criminals that , “The HAWKS will insure that its members and the community are protected and feel safe all the times. We shall investigate and arrest all perpetrators of crime without fear or favour. The Hawks Mpumalanga are a committed team”.
