Mozambican arrested in Karino for multiple offences

A 35-year-old Mozambican suspect, who had been sought for alleged multiple offences, was arrested in Karino outside Mbombela on Tuesday October 18 at about 12:00, through collaboration between the police and some security companies of the city.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the suspect was found in possession of a vehicle, a silver-grey Audi A3, reportedly stolen during a house robbery in Mbombela in August. “The police continued searching his premises and also found a firearm, a Glock pistol reportedly stolen in Hoedspruit in July. Three live rounds of ammunition for a 7.65 pistol were concealed inside a cupboard in the same house,” Mohlala said.

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Further investigations showed that the Audi A3 was allegedly used in a number of crimes committed in and around Mbombela. More suspected stolen goods, including electrical appliances, watches, bank cards and motorbike helmets were also seized. “The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, charges related to providing false information to the authorities, and contravention of the Immigration Act. The police cannot rule out the possibility of adding other charges as the investigation progresses,” Mohlala said.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, welcomed the arrest and the recovery of the goods. She said the arrest would possibly assist some unresolved cases.

“This is a major success for Mbombela, and the involvement of all security companies in the search of the vehicle and suspects are highly commendable,” said Wahl Bartmann, the CEO of Fidelity Services Group. Bartmann commended the active involvement of the community in reporting suspicious behaviour through WhatsApp groups. This really helped security in the area to respond timeously.

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“We remain concerned, however, about the definite spike in the report of suspicious people and vehicles we are seeing in the Steiltes area, and we strongly recommend further proactive measures are considered, including the installation of automobile number plate recognition and overview cameras to assist the community in securing their suburb,” he said.

Securicon Lowveld’s group operations manager, Callum mac Pherson, said, “We were grateful to be able to offer assistance with this arrest, as these criminals have been plaguing our residential areas. Well done to all involved. This is a win for our city.”

In the interim, Fidelity reminds residents:
• Make sure you know everyone in your immediate vicinity and have their contact details. You can look out for one another, and you are best placed to immediately see if anything out of the ordinary is happening.
• If something seems to be amiss, raise the alarm.
• Continue actively communicating on your WhatsApp community groups and share any suspicious behaviour.
• We strongly advise you take note of any potential safety issues and raise it with your neighbours. This includes everything from broken fences to open gates to valuable items left unattended. The same goes for children or vulnerable members of your community – by simply caring for their safety, you can already make a difference.
• Be mindful of not sharing any unverified information or fake news on any community platforms or social media pages. “There has been so much fake news or unverified news which, if shared, creates unnecessary panic.”
• “Make sure everyone in your household and in your street receives the correct contact details for all police, law enforcement and security partners in your area. In case of any emergency, please ensure that everyone knows exactly who to call so that valuable time is not wasted,” said Bartmann.