Middelburg Flying Squad members arrested two security officials for armed robbery, malicious damage to property and assault in Middelburg yesterday, Tuesday 21 November 2023.
According to information, the arrest emanates from an incident that was reported in Middelburg on Friday 03 November 2023.
The victim alleged that he was hitchhiking when the security officials approached him. According to the victim, he was busy on the phone when they started talking to him. He alleged that he concentrated on his phone, but the security personnel started to assault him.
When he responded, he alleged that he was forced into their vehicle, but he refused.
The suspects then took his bag which contained money amongst other items. His sunglasses were also damaged.
He went to the police station to report the incident. His empty bag was found dumped at a different location.
Yesterday, Tuesday 21 November 2023, the victim spotted the vehicle that was used during the commission of crime. He immediately notified Middelburg Flying Squad members who were on patrol.
The vehicle with four occupants was intercepted and two of the occupants were positively identified by the victim.
Preliminary investigation revealed that part of their mandate was to protect taxi owners and not to patrol hitchhikers.
When the vehicle was searched, three assault rifles and 90 live rounds of ammunition were seized.
The identified suspects, aged 37 and 47, were arrested and will appear before Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, welcomed the arrest and commended the speedily response by the members. “Law enforcement agencies should always stick to their mandate and refrain from any form of abuse,” warned the General.
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