Police in Mpumalanga have arrested a 41-year-old man, a parolee, following a robbery incident which happened on Sunday, whereby a State firearm was stolen from a member of the SA Police Service stationed at Malelane.

The robber had fled the scene after the robbery.

“We are pleased to inform the public that the suspect has now been arrested. The suspect is currently at the correctional centre after being on the run since Sunday. The State firearm was initially recovered later that same Sunday,” said provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the Nelspruit SAPS.

“Investigators, in partnership with officials from Correctional Services, are ongoing with their collaborative efforts to determine the appropriate charges against the parolee, which may include robbery of a State firearm and other related offences.

"The parolee remains in custody at the correctional centre pending further legal proceedings. It is anticipated that he will be required to appear in court soon as the investigation continues. Further updates regarding this incident will be provided as the investigation unfolds,” said Mdhluli.

On Sunday, police in Mpumalanga appealed for community members’ assistance in locating the assailant who attacked members of SAPS at Malelane in a robbery which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

“Police are also convinced that a parolee, by the name of Donald Sipho Khoza, may be of great assistance in the said robbery case whereby a service firearm with ammunition was stolen. Khoza was convicted for rape and murder. He was recently released on parole and is known to frequent the Malelane area,” Mdhluli said at the time.

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the swift arrest of the parolee.

Pretoria News

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