By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Two suspected robbers, aged 20 and 23, were arrested in Barberton, South Africa, for their alleged involvement in house robbery and possession of illegal firearms and explosives. The arrests were made possible after Pienaar Crime Intelligence provided information, which led to a joint operation by the police and Nelspruit Divergent Ops.
The South African Police Service(SAPS), reports that “During the search of the suspects’ residence in Umjindi Hostel, Barberton, police found a firearm with its serial number filed off and a live round of ammunition under a pillow in one of the residences,” said the South African Police Service in a statement.
The Suspect didn’t have a firearm license and was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In another residence, the second suspect was found with a second firearm, also with its serial number filed off, and explosive devices were discovered on a table.
This suspect was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as illegal possession of explosives.
The suspects are set to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today, 13 January 2025 for their alleged involvement in a house robbery incident that occurred in Barberton in August last year (2024).
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has applauded the Structure of the SAPS for the outstanding work and also thanked the Security Agencies for their working collaboration with the Police.
“Our collaboration efforts with other law enforcement agencies assist a great deal in the fight against crime hence the partnership we have with the stakeholders, always yield positive results, ” said the General.