Hawks arrest man for alleged attempted murder of Dutch tourists

The Hawks in Mpumalanga have arrested a 42-year-old suspect in connection with the attempted murder and robbery of a Dutch couple near Badplaas on Tuesday.

The couple, who were on a tour of the province, were allegedly attacked by three suspects as they were driving along the R35 road between Barberton and Badplaas.

They were forced to stop after the suspects shot and injured the driver in the hand.

Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Dineo Sekgotodi says the three accused flashed the victims with firearms and mugged them of their belongings, cellphones, three bank cards, passports, international driver’s licence and R5000 cash and ran off towards Barberton.

“On Thursday, the Hawks led an intelligence-driven operation following information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect. The suspect was arrested in possession of the stolen items belonging to the victims. The suspect was arrested, charged and detained pending his first court appearance on Monday. The two suspects are still at large.”

#sapsHAWKS A 42yr-old suspect, is expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday, 16/09, for attempted murder and armed robbery of tourists on 10/09 along the R35 road between Barberton and Badplaas.

On 12/09, the #Hawks led an intell driven op with a team… pic.twitter.com/pstPnsZfhO

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 13, 2024