Swift action by Police after tip-off prevents a business robbery in Empangeni

Today, 31 December 2013 at approximately 13:30 Ulundi Tactical Response Team and Empangeni Crime Intelligence members followed up information about suspects who were about to commit business robbery in one of the shops in Empangeni area. The members started to look for the vehicle driven by the suspects in the area. A Silver Grey BMW vehicle was spotted and it was followed up until it was stopped near Ulundi area. The members searched the vehicle with four occupants and three unlicensed 9mm pistols were found.

The vehicle was also circulated and came as a stolen vehicle in Gauteng area. The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes in the country. All four suspects aged between 41 and 60 are from Gauteng and were charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of suspected stolen vehicle. They will all appear in the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 January 2014.

Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni welcomed the arrest and the recovery of unlicensed firearms by the members. She commended the members for their swift action and intelligence that led to the prevention of a business robbery in the province during this period of festive season. She appeals to the public to continue providing the police with any information about any criminal activities in their areas including illegal firearms. Anyone who wish to provide information can contact our crime stop number 08600 10111.

Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service