Detective among suspects in failed Belfast robbery

A police detective-turned-criminal died during an attempted robbery in Belfast on Friday night, August 22.

The incident began when the occupants of a VW Polo stopped on the roadside at about 22:00.

Four suspects suddenly stopped next to them, identified themselves as policemen, and pointed firearms at the victims, ordering them to lie on the ground.

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Fortunately, members of the SAPS’s Anti-Hijacking Task Team and the Middelburg K9 Unit arrived at the scene.

“Upon detecting something suspicious on the roadside, the vigilant SAPS members swiftly came closer to investigate,” said the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

The suspects fired at the officers while attempting to flee in a white Datsun Go with Mpumalanga registration plates.

One suspect fled the scene on foot while the others sped away, sparking a high-speed chase.

Their vehicle eventually crashed into a tree on Bhekumuzi Masango Drive, where two suspects were arrested and a third was found dead in the back seat.

The deceased, a 54-year-old police detective from Pienaar SAPS, is suspected to have sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire, though this remains under investigation,” added Mdhluli.

Two firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene.

The fourth suspect, who had fled on foot, was later apprehended along the N4 towards Machadodorp.

The suspects face charges including attempted car hijacking, armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 25.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched its own investigation.

Meanwhile, a Toyota Hilux police van from the Pienaar Police Station was found abandoned on a nearby farm in Belfast.

“The state vehicle was the one used by the detective for standby duties. At this stage, we cannot rule out the possibility that it was used without authorisation, but this will also form part of the investigation,” said Mdhluli.

Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the incident:

“It is a shameful act when an individual sworn to uphold the law is found on the wrong side of it. As the SAPS, we distance ourselves from any criminality.”