One Arrested After Armed Katjibane Robbery

Police in Mmametlhake have made a significant breakthrough following the arrest of a 34-year-old male suspect linked to a business robbery at Newstand Supermarket in Katjibane on 29 May.

According to reports, four armed African males stormed the supermarket, stealing groceries, cigarettes, a flash machine, and an undisclosed amount of cash, with the total value estimated at R3,817.

The cashier, who was on duty, told police that the suspects arrived in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie, parked near the entrance, and entered the store. Two suspects pointed firearms at him and ordered him to the floor, while another demanded money, which was handed over from behind the counter.

A concerned community member alerted police. Officers from Mmametlhake SAPS, conducting Operation Shanela, responded swiftly. Acting on a tip-off, they found the abandoned getaway vehicle near Seabe, close to Serite Lodge bush, with the suspects having fled on foot.

Thanks to detailed descriptions, police searched the nearby area and successfully apprehended one suspect in the bushes. The Nissan bakkie, which was loaded with stolen goods, was recovered. Further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Rietgat, Gauteng, and the registration number did not match the engine number.

The arrested man faces charges of:

Business robbery

Possession of suspected stolen property

Possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle

He was scheduled to appear in the Marapyane Periodical Court on 2 June.

Three suspects remain at large, and the police are urging the public to assist in their arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Captain Solomon Moshime at 082 065 1355, or report anonymously via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MYSAPS App.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift police work and public cooperation:

“The remaining suspects must know they will be found. Our officers are vigilant, and we thank the community for their valuable support in fighting crime.”