VEREENIGING. – A woman who was being robbed in the presence of her three children was saved by a multi-disciplinary team on November 28.

The team comprising of Vereeniging police, Sedibeng K9, Midvaal Peace Officers, Midvaal COMPOL, Midvaal Drone Operators, Sekuriteit Sonder Grense, the DPCI, and Afri Guard.

The incident happened while they were conducting a planned operation at an identified crime hotspot near Mario Melani Drive.

The operation results from various robberies reported in the area. Included in the robberies are two cases of murder and attempted murder involving two police officers.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane reports that police acted swiftly after hearing screams from the bushes. On further investigation, members spotted a group of males who fled on foot in different directions.

“A foreign national was apprehended. He will soon appear at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, armed robbery, pointing of a firearm, and being undocumented.”

Mokhachane said the police are still in pursuit of other suspects who managed to flee from the scene.

“We would like to urge the public to assist with the arrest of these suspects.”

Talking about the area where the operation was conducted, Mokhachane said the area is problematic, with the victims of crimes mostly being members of various churches who usually go to the river for cleansing and rituals.

Following the arrest of the suspect, Vereeniging SAPS station commander Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba highlighted the importance of the collaboration between police and various stakeholders including private security companies.