Farm robbery suspect arrested after high-speed chase in Delmas
A dramatic multi-disciplinary police operation in the Nkangala District has led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of stolen property following a house robbery at a farm near the Kusile Power Station in Delmas.
The incident took place last week, when five armed men allegedly stormed the property and made off with vehicles, livestock, and household goods.
Among the stolen items were a silver Ford Ranger Club Cab, 11 sheep, 50 egg-laying chickens, a silver BMW, a generator, a fridge, jumper cables, and several cellphones.
With the assistance of a tracking company, police traced the stolen Ford Ranger, a BMW, and a silver Mazda, all believed to have been used in the crime.
The vehicles were spotted along the R42 between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas, sparking a high-speed chase.
During the pursuit, the suspects abandoned the BMW, while a Mazda Etude attempted to block officers but later crashed.
The chase continued into eTwatwa, Daveyton, where the suspects eventually abandoned the Ford Ranger and fled on foot.
Police recovered the vehicle, which was still containing 11 sheep and 50 chickens.
One suspect, a 35-year-old Mozambican national believed to have been driving the Mazda Etude, was arrested.
A follow-up investigation led officers to Bronkhorstspruit, where more stolen property was recovered, including a generator, fridge, jumper cables, and a blank firearm with ammunition.
The suspect has been charged with house robbery and contravention of the Immigration Act.
He is expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with police indicating that more charges may follow as investigations continue.
Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the coordinated efforts of all police units involved, as well as the support of the tracking company.
IOL