SUSPECT REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICIALS

MPUMALANGA – Thabang Vincent Shakwane (25) was remanded in custody by the Nelspruit Magistrate court on Thursday 07 April 2022 after the bail was successfully opposed by the Hawks. The suspect was arrested during multidisciplinary approach by the Hawks, Provincial Detectives and Crime Intelligence for attempted murder of police officials.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, two police officers were busy patrolling near Ilanga Mall in Nelspruit when they noticed a suspicious red VW Polo with three occupants. The vehicle was pulled over, during the search the occupants attempted to disrupt the officers by offering money which they refused.
As the members were busy effecting the arrest, one of the suspects reportedly fired a shot towards one member but missed. Whilst the said member was on the ground, the suspects reportedly assaulted him and robbed him of his service pistol and a cell phone. The second officer was also attacked and his service pistol robbed.
On Saturday, 26 March 2022 at about 20:00 information was received by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Provincial Detectives and Crime Intelligence of the whereabouts of the suspects. On arrival Shakwane was found and he was positively linked with the case. The vehicle that was used during the attack on the SAPS officials was also seized.
During bail application the investigating officer managed to link Shakwane to a separate armed robbery case which happened in Barberton on the same day. Shakwane will remain in custody until 27 May 2022, as he will be expected back in court.