Robbery outside Mbombela estate: 2 questioned, 1 arrested

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and two others taken in for questioning following the armed robbery of a man outside Elawini Lifestyle Estate in Mbombela on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a statement by Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the police also recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition during the arrest.

He says the victim was in his vehicle with a family member when the incident occurred.

They had just withdrawn some cash from a bank and were returning to the estate when they were accosted by a group of about three armed suspects.

Mohlala says it was reported that a white Volkswagen Polo had overtaken and blocked the victim’s vehicle.

“The suspects are said to have alighted from their vehicle, shooting randomly, and forced the two victims out of their vehicle. The suspects allegedly robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash and then fled the scene,” explains Mohlala.

The matter was reported to the police and the available information was circulated among law enforcement agencies.

At about 15:30 yesterday, the police were patrolling the N4 near Karino when they spotted the said Polo passing near the Mpumalanga University. Mohlala says a chase ensued until they reached the KaNymazane area.

He adds that a suspect jumped from the vehicle and tried to climb over a wall, but was cornered and caught by the SAPS.

“While searching him, they reportedly found a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds. The serial numbers had been filed off. He was then arrested and charged accordingly.”

Mohlala says the suspect will possibly be charged for the armed robbery that occurred outside the estate.

He adds two other men were taken in for questioning regarding the robbery and the investigation is still continuing.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today.