OPERATION SHANELA ENABLES POLICE TO ARREST FOUR SUSPECTS THEN CONFISCATE FOUR FIREARMS WITH AMMUNITION
July 2, 2024
JUNIOR MABANDLA’S (06) REMAINS WERE FOUND IN PIENAAR, AND A MAN WAS CAPTURED
July 4, 2024
By Thabiso nkuna
Ernest Nkosi (37) is set to appear at Belfast Magistrate’s Court on 02 July 2024 for possession of a reportedly hijacked vehicle. He was arrested on 01 July 2024 after South African Police Service members collaborated with farmers in the area, leading to his arrest. On 28 June 2024, a farmer was allegedly robbed of his vehicle and undisclosed amount of cash at a farm in Belfast. Four suspects driving in two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz sedan and a VW Polo, attacked the victim. Nkosi was among the suspects, and the victim was held at gunpoint and forced into the rear side of a bakkie before they took off with him.
The victim then followed the bakkie and summoned assistance from other neighboring farmers. The escape route was blocked, and two suspects abandoned the bakkie and jumped into a Mercedes Benz. The police and farmers cornered the vehicle, but the suspects realized they had run out of plans and abandoned it to evade arrest. Nkosi was caught hiding in nearby bushes and arrested during this time.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the Mercedes Benz was fitted with false registration number plates and was reportedly hijacked at Verena in May 2024. The suspect will face charges of possession of a hijacked vehicle when he appears in court on 01 July 2024.
