27 arrests in ‘trio crimes’ clampdown

POLICE have arrested 27 suspects throughout the province in what they describe as “unceasing efforts to curb the scourge of trio crimes” – namely house robbery, carjacking and business robbery.

In total, 1 135 suspects were arrested for various crimes during this time period.

Provincial SAPS spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said: “Lady Frere police quickly responded to a case of robbery on January 6, where it is alleged that security guards who were loading money into an ATM, were confronted by armed men.

“The suspects overpowered the guards and managed to flee with an undisclosed amount of money and firearms. A search for the suspects was conducted and one suspect was arrested and two firearms and the getaway car were also recovered. The suspect appeared in court on an armed robbery charge.”

● Soci further said 223 suspects were arrested – 162 for drug-related crimes, 44 for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and 17 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

“With these arrests, 23 firearms, 202 rounds of ammunition and 151 dangerous weapons, including knives and pangas, were recovered during the ongoing Safer Festive Season Operations,” she said.

● A man, 28, yesterday appeared at the bail courtroom in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court charged with murdering former junior Springbok Mlungisi Bali.

However, the bail hearing was postponed to next Wednesday. He was remanded in custody.

Bali was stabbed at a traditional homecoming ceremony in NU3 in Mdantsane on December 28 and died four days later in Frere Hospital. His friends described him as kind and loving. He is to be buried at Sheshegu village in Alice on Saturday. — Lisekho Madikane