Mpumalanga man arrested for kidnapping, robbing US couple

The couple was robbed while on their way to the Kruger National Park on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said the two tourists were driving along the R536 Road in the Calcutta area when they were stopped by a car with a blue light.

"The victims were then held at gunpoint by two armed suspects who kidnapped and driven to a certain spot where they were robbed of their personal items. They were then left by the suspects who fled with the stolen items," said Mdhluli.

Mdhluli said the victims subsequently opened a case at Masoyi Police Station, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisting with the investigation.

"An operation was then planned and executed whereby details of the information were followed. It was during this time when the team was led to a certain house at Kanyamazane.

“Upon arrival at the premises, the team found the man in question. A search was then conducted, and whilst searching, several items believed to have been stolen during the robbery were discovered. The team further discovered a VW Polo reportedly fitted with false registration number plates," said Mdhluli.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday at Kanyamazane outside Nelspruit.

He appeared at Kanyamazane Magistrate's Court on the same day of his arrest, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen properties.

"The matter was postponed to 19 September 2023 for further investigation. The suspect remains in custody. The investigation continues, but due to the delicacy of this probe, his name cannot be revealed at this stage," he added.

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