MBOMBELA - Police have arrested a 40-year-old-man for armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen property in White River today.

The arrest came after police responded swiftly to a complaint of an armed robbery along the White River/Hazyview Road, in which a minibus transporting cigarettes was robbed this morning around 07:00. Information at police disposal revealed that the driver and his crew noticed a blue Volkswagen Polo and a silver Toyota Hilux bakkie, with an undisclosed number of occupants. Those in the Polo suddenly pointed firearms at them, forcing him to a halt.

The driver of the minibus pulled off the road after which they were robbed of several cartons of cigarettes which were then loaded onto the bakkie. The suspects then fled the scene. A manhunt was launched by the police and a private security firm which yielded positive results when a bakkie matching the description was spotted somewhere on the same route. It was stopped and searched and the loot was confiscated.

The suspect will appear in the White River Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 26 January, facinan armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen property charges of.

A manhunt for the remaining suspects is continuing and police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact Warrant Officer Grobbie Grobler at 082 455 6591 or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

Submitted by: Colonel Mtsholi Bhembe
Subeditor: Lynette Brink