Man appears in Barberton court for attempted murder and illegal firearm
The suspect was arrested earlier this week while in the Skukuza Regional Court for a poaching matter dating back to 2016. He has been remanded in custody.
A 26-year-old man appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on October 19, facing charges of attempted murder and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
A press statement from the Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations’ (Hawks) spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said Sam Mshepan Leyane (26) was driving along the R38 to eManzana (formerly Badplaas) with two passengers on January 25, when his vehicle was intercepted by the SAPS and he failed to stop.
Sekgotodi said Leyane abandoned his vehicle along the road, and the two occupants were arrested while he escaped.
ALSO READ: Electricity pole spotted right in middle of road in Burgersfort
“During the search of the vehicle, the team discovered a disassembled hunting rifle. The Local Criminal Record Centre was summoned and lifted the fingerprints. During the laboratory examination, the accused was linked through fingerprints,” she said.
“The matter was brought before court and they issued a warrant for his arrest.”
She said Leyane was traced and arrested by the Nelspruit Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on October 18 as he appeared in the Skukuza Regional Court in connection with a rhino poaching matter of 2016.
Leyane will appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court again on October 27 for a formal bail application.
