Alleged robber released
Police were not aware that Mr Surprise Nhlapho was released.
eMBALENHLE – Police came under fire after the release of Mr Suprise Nhlapho on Thursday, 28 April.
He was arrested for attempted murder, perjury and for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Police told foreign national shop owners that they suspected that Mr Nhlapho was linked to the robberies in the area.
Upon hearing that he was released, Mr Johar Ali, foreign nationals’ leader, was upset and went to the eMbalenhle Police Station to raise his concerns.
“This is a clear sign that the police do not care about us.
“We pleaded with them to help us, but they released the suspect without our knowledge.”
Mr Nhlapho was arrested days after foreign nationals closed their shops for three days and marched to the eMbalenle Police Station to voice their concerns over the high increase of shop robberies and murders of their countrymen.
At least six were killed during robberies in March and April and two are fighting for their lives in the hospital.
Lt Col Olga Khatsi, acting station commander, informed him that they were also shocked to hear that Mr Nhlapho was released.
“We did our job and arrested a suspect and we were still investigating to find out if he could be linked to the robberies in the area.
“We stated clearly on the docket that he should not be given bail.
“However the court is another department and we do not yet know the reason for his release.”
Mr Ali was disappointed with the justice system and was relieved that it was not the police’s fault.
He will mobilise his countrymen to march to the Evander Magistrate’s Court to voice their concerns.
