Members from Tonga SAPS made a major breakthrough by arresting two suspects aged 31 and 34 with four mobile tower batteries in their vehicle at Mangweni near Komatipoort. The suspects were nabbed on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at about 18:00.
Loadshedding as well as poor mobile network are some of the major challenges facing the country.
It has been noted by the law enforcement agencies that, in spite of endeavours by the state and private sector to address the current situation, perpetrators continue to jeopardise these efforts.
The success that was achieved emanates from reports that has indicated that the Police at Tonga received information about suspicious activities at the tower. Upon police arrival at the premises, members noticed that the place was locked. At that moment, a concerned citizen immediately approached the police vehicle and indicated to them that residents were concerned about a white Nissan Hardbody bakkie which was still at the premises of the tower.
The men and women in Blue instructed its driver to stop but instead the said vehicle sped off before it came to a halt in the nearby bushes.
Thereafter, two occupants are said to have abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot. Police managed to corner both of them and when searching inside the said bakkie, four mobile tower batteries were recovered.
Both suspects were arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen properties after failing to avail documents that permits them to possess the tower batteries.
Another charge for contravention of the Immigration Act was added against the two suspects after it was discovered that they did not have valid documentation that permits them to be in South Africa.
The suspects are expected to appear in Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 18 May 2023 facing the said charges as well as for damage to essential infrastructure.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members for their continuous commitment in the fight against crime, including those damaging essential infrastructure in the province.
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