Breakthrough in burglary case commended

According to reports a case of burglary was opened in September 2015 whereby a suspect broke into a certain house and somehow stole a firearm inside a safe. During the time of the incident, the owner of the house was not at home. The manner on how the suspect accessed the safe forms part of Police investigation.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, following his first appearance at the same court on 11 March 2024.

The incident is said to have happened more than 8 years ago, remarkably enough Police managed to arrest the suspect, Bheki Joseph Bhembe (36). Further than that, the members recovered a firearm  inside an old reservoir.

After a case was assigned to a team of investigators at Chrissiesmeer, the Men and women in Blue worked around the clock to crack the case. The investigation led members to the suspect who was sniffed out of his hiding place at  Chrissiesmeer on Friday, 08 March 2024 around 17h00.

After his arrest, the investigation continued and directed them to the location of where the firearm was hidden. Members from White River Diving Unit were also brought on board to assist. The team went into an old reservoir in Chrissiesmeer. It was at this place where a firearm as well as some ammunition were retrieved inside the reservoir.

The suspect was charged hence he was taken to court. Today (18 March 2024), during his court appearance, the suspect is expected to make a formal bail application.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has thanked members of the Police Detectives for the exceptional work done in a case of burglary at a residential premises in Chrissiesmeer whereby a firearm was stolen back in September 2015.

She further emphasized that the said breakthrough should serve as an indication that the Detective Services of the Police have the capacity to deal with even most difficult cases that they may be investigating.