Tshepo Mhlanga (48) is expected to appear at the Mbibana Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday 25 January 2023 on charges of business robbery which was carried out in the morning of Friday, 19 January 2024.
The suspect was arrested through the joint effort by Kwamhlanga K9 Unit, Modimolle K9 Unit, Rus Der Venter SAPS, Pienaars River SAPS, Pankop Security and Marapyane Taxi Association after a high speed chase on Friday morning, 19 January 2024.
According to information, Mhlanga and other four of his accomplices allegedly stormed into a certain furniture shop at Marapyane Shopping Mall around 09:40 am. The suspects are said to have held the employees at gunpoint then reportedly robbed them of various items, which include cell phones, PlayStation and laptops valued at more than R200 000 and fled using a white Nissan NP 200 as a getaway vehicle, which was parked outside.
The Police were notified and as they promptly responded, they reportedly spotted the vehicle which matched the description of the suspected vehicle.
The driver of the said vehicle is said to have ignored when Police ordered the car to stop. It was during this time when a high speed chase ensued.
The men and women in Blue are said to have been joined by other parties, including the security personnel and the taxi association.
The suspects reportedly drove into the bushes where they abandoned the car then fled on foot
The team’s persistence led to the arrest of Mhlanga. A firearm with a magazine and some live ammunition were reportedly found in his possession.
The serial numbers of the firearm were filed off. Police further recovered a Jamming device as well as eight cell phones believed to have been stolen during the robbery.
The suspect was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as for possession of suspected stolen properties.
Currently there is no indication that the Nissan NP 200 was stolen however the vehicle was confiscated together with the other items for further investigation.
The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere. Therefore Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect. Meanwhile Police are still in pursuit of the other suspects and the investigators urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the remaining suspects by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
Mhlanga had his first court appearance on Monday, 22 January 2024.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended the team work displayed by the police and the other stakeholders which resulted in the arrest of the suspect. “It is just a matter of time before other suspects are brought to book and thanks to the collaboration that we have with other law enforcement agencies,” said the General.
An alleged business robber due to appear in court today https://t.co/CpzvqdWoBp#ArriveAlive #BusinessRobbery #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/VtR2JerwLZ
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 25, 2024