Africa-Press – Mozambique. 2023/12/16-Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga
Nelspruit: The Police in Bushbuckridge [Mpumalanga, South Africa] are in pursuit of suspects who targeted a taxi commuted by foreign nationals from Mozambique and robbed them of passports as well as undisclosed amount of cash. The disturbing incident is said to have occurred at Garelane in Bushbuckridge last night, Friday 15 December 2023.
According to information, on that evening around 22:00 a Mozambican taxi, occupied by 16 passengers was driving along the R40 Road. It is said that the taxi was coming from Acornhoek and heading to Mozambique when the driver noticed some flashing lights from a white Toyota Light Delivery Vehicle coming behind him. The driver smelt a rat then carried on driving until he reached a filling station where he thought it was safe to stop.
However the vehicle that was trailing followed them to the fuel station and upon arrival, four armed males are said to have alighted from the said bakkie. One of the suspects allegedly fired a shot before pouncing on the taxi driver. It is further alleged that the suspects snatched a bag full of passengers’ passports as well as cash which was reportedly a collection of money paid by the commuters. As if that was not enough, it is alleged that the suspects further robbed passengers of their cell phones.
Thereafter, the suspects fled the scene but no casualties or injuries were reported.
The police were notified about the absurd incident and a robbery case was opened. A manhunt for the perpetrators has already been launched and an investigation regarding the incident is underway.
Anyone with information that may assist in the probe is requested to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Busisiwe Kunene on 082 422 8198 or call Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively community members can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned the incident and vowed that police, working hand in hand with members of the public, will ensure that the suspects are soon brought to book.
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