SUSPECT OVERPOWERS COP, STEALS GUN

MBABANE – A wanted suspect overpowered a police officer and made away with an R4 assault rifle at Mliba on Saturday.

The suspect had been apprehended by Mliba police for a number of crimes including rape. However, while being detained at the back of a police van, he managed to escape.

He is said to have overpowered the police officer who was locking the door of the vehicle. He kicked it open and fled with the service rifle.
An impeccable source, who witnessed the incident, noted that the suspect kicked the back door of the police van.

“He overpowered the police officer and took the gun with him,” the source said. After taking the rifle, the suspect is said to have hired a vehicle to flee from the police. However, upon reaching home, his father took him to the police station.

Assistant Superintendant Khulani Mamba, Police Information and Communications Officer, confirmed the arrest. He said: “Mliba police arrested and charged a 42-year-old man of Zandondo for being found in possession of a firearm without a licence or permit.
“The suspect will appear at the Manzini Magistrates Court today.”

Mamba was grateful that the gun had no ammunition as the police officer had emptied the magazine. He said the officer had kept the ammunition separately.
He also appreciated the effort of the public, which led to the arrest of the suspect. He noted that the theft of guns was becoming a recurring habit among members of the public.

“People should know that stealing State guns is a serious offence and they should desist from it,” Mamba warned. Worth noting, early in the year, a police officer was killed by a most wanted suspect, Mxolisi Vilane, with a stolen R4 rifle. The assault rifle was snatched from two police officers at Mbhuleni. It was later used to commit robberies around the country.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: