NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga Province will continue to play a meaningful role in the battle against crime thereby ensuring safety for the community with their properties, including tackling the proliferation of firearms. This was displayed yesterday, 31 July 2022, as a 43-year-old man was arrested at Masibekela Trust near Mbuzini by members of the Police from Tonga. Police also managed to take the second man for questioning with possibility of an arrest in relation to spate of robbery incidents previously reported around Nkomazi.
According to information, members were on duty and received information about a man in possession of a firearm with ammunition. The men and women in Blue followed that information and went to a certain house at Masibekela. A search was then conducted upon arrival, which resulted in the discovery of a high calibre firearm with ammunition. The man was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Police further discovered that the suspect is a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) at Mbuzini area.
He was identified as Nkululeko James Ntimba and has appeared before the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court facing the said charges and was granted bail of R1000. He is expected to appear again at the same Court on 06 September 2022. Meanwhile the police are continuing with their investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has been disturbed by the information that the suspect is a CPF member. The General has thanked members of the public as they brought the information to light and their unwavering support in the fight against crime. “We are very much disappointed that a person whom we regard as our extended hand in the community is reportedly mingled in criminal activities. We hope that decisive actions will follow. On the other hand, we will continue to ensure that any information that is brought to our attention, is followed accordingly so that perpetrators are swiftly brought to book”, said Lieutenant General Manamela.
Source: South African Police Service