Three suspects alleged to be involved in the murder of a German tourist last month, October 2022 next to Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate were arrested and their ages range between 25 and 38.

One was cornered at a certain retail store in Nelspruit whilst two were nabbed at Badplaas and Elukwatini respectively between Wednesday, 16 November 2022 and Thursday, 17 November 2022.

Meanwhile on Friday, 18 November 2022 two suspects (both aged 43) alleged to be involved in a spate of business robberies around Piet Retief were also arrested in Matsulu and Tekwane West during a sting operation.

A report shows that an intelligence driven operation was conducted by members from Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team, Piet Retief Crime Intelligence, Tracing and locating as well as Piet Retief Detectives after information surfaced on the whereabouts of a suspect who was driving a silver grey VW Polo.

He was cornered by the members at the said retail store and upon investigation, it was established that he could be involved in a string of business robberies around Piet Retief, Ermelo and Bethal.

Further probe by the astute members led to the arrest of two more suspects around Elukwatini and Badplaas. One of the two suspects was allegedly found in possession of a white Toyota Tazz believed to have been used during the brutal murder of the German tourist.

A firearm with its serial numbers filled off was recovered during the arrest as well as about eleven live ammunition and some jamming devices found in his possession.

Meanwhile the third suspect is believed to be working together with the other two. All three are suspected to be involved in multiple house robberies around Gert Sibande District. They are expected to appear in court soon.

A separate intelligence driven operation by members from Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team, Piet Retief Crime Intelligence, Tracing and locating as well as Piet Retief Detectives was also conducted in Matsulu and Tekwane North outside Nelspruit on the said Friday (18 November 2022).

One suspect was arrested for possession of unsilenced firearm with 30 live rounds of ammunition in Matsulu whilst another suspect was arrested in connection with a number of business robberies around Piet Retief. This suspect was reportedly found in possession of a red VW Polo suspected to have been often used previously in several criminal activities.

All confiscated items will form part of the probe and possibly more charges against the suspects may be added as the investigation continues.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the arrests made and indicated that the hard work by the men and women in Blue will assist to improve trust between the public and the police. The General further assured the community that more successes will be witnessed as more boots were deployed on the ground as part of the 2022/2023 Safer Festive Season Operations.

SAPS Newsroom

3 Arrested in connection with German tourist’s murder – South Africa Today