The three suspects, Alli Banda (34), Bongani Ndlovu (47) and Siyabonga Dlamini (40) who appeared before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday last week where their case was postponed for legal representation will be making another court appearance today.

It is alleged that Police in Volksrust received information from members of the Police in Newcastle (KZN) about three suspects aged between 34 and 47 who were found in possession of stolen vehicle, unlawful firearm with ammunition and also committed a house robbery at Newcastle and allegedly shot a victim.

The three suspects are said to have stolen the victim’s vehicle, a white Honda Civic. The three are suspected to have also been involved in a house robbery incident whereby a motor vehicle was stolen in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal in the early hours of that said Wednesday.

Police responded quickly and spotted the vehicle with three occupants inside at Volksrust. The vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted and it was during this period when one of the occupants was found in possession of an unlicenced firearm, a 9mm Norinco pistol,  loaded with some ammunition. House breaking implements, including a Crowbar, a Grinder, and a side cutter as well as four cutting discs were also found in the possession of the suspects.

The suspects were arrested then charged accordingly.

The three suspects were remained in custody last week and they will be transferred to Newcastle to face the charge of house robbery as well as theft of motor vehicle. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding other charges as investigations continue.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela took this opportunity to welcome the arrest of the suspects. The General further appreciated the good interprovincial partnership that exists as it assist in tackling crimes being committed across provinces. “It is now a common practice that suspects should consider that if you hijack or steal a vehicle, don’t bother coming to Mpumalanga because you will get arrested for sure. We also encourage our members as well as other law enforcement agencies, to continue doing their work because the effort that they put always produces positive results, ” said the General.