Two suspects, aged 34 and 37 are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, on charges of possession of firearms with ammunition.
The two who could be part of a car theft syndicate were charged accordingly hence their court appearance today.
The two were arrested in Witbank and were reportedly found in possession of a car jamming device which Police believe could possibly be used during theft of motor vehicles.
On 06 February 2024, an operation by the multidisciplinary team was conducted and the first suspect (34) was cornered at uThingo Park, Tasbet Park in Witbank.
It was during this time when the team discovered 16 channels Signal Jamming Device as well as a firearm, in possession of the first suspect.
Through investigation, the team was led to a certain residential place where they found the second suspect (37) who was reportedly found in possession of a firearm with ammunition.
The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to check if the weapons were not previously used in the comitting crime elsewhere.
The efforts of fighting car theft by the SAPS in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies have yielded positive results.
Thanks to a multidisciplinary team which worked tirelessly to achieve this breakthrough.
The team consisted of members from Mpumalanga Tracking team, Western Cape Tactical Response Team (TRT), Tracker Connect officials, Middelburg Flying Squad, as well as Deployment Pro Active Team.
Therefore, the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects cannot be made at this stage.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her sincere appreciation to members. “We hope that this arrest will somehow assist in resolving other theft of motor vehicles where suspects were never located. Well done to the team and with this breakthrough, we are adamant that we are moving towards realization of a safer environment for our communities,” said the General.
