THE police in Mbombela, Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for suspects who robbed a taxi with foreign nationals from Mozambique.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the suspects robbed the commuters of their passports and money at Garelane in Bushbuckridge on Friday, 15 December.
“According to information, on that evening around 10pm, a Mozambican taxi, occupied by 16 passengers was driving along the R40 Road. It's said that the taxi was coming from Acornhoek and heading to Mozambique when the driver noticed some flashing lights from a white Toyota light delivery vehicle coming behind him. The driver smelt a rat then carried on driving until he reached a filling station where he thought it was safe to stop,” he said.
However, the car followed them to the filling station.
“Upon arrival, four armed men are said to have alighted from the said bakkie. One of the suspects allegedly fired a shot before pouncing on the taxi driver.
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“It's further alleged that the suspects snatched a bag full of passengers' passports as well as cash which was reportedly a collection of money paid by the commuters. As if that was not enough, it is alleged that the suspects further robbed passengers of their cell phones,” he said.
Thereafter, the suspects fled the scene, but no casualties or injuries were reported.
“The police were notified about the absurd incident and a robbery case was opened. A manhunt for the perpetrators has already been launched and an investigation regarding the incident is underway.
“Anyone with information that may help can contact Detective Lieutenant-Colonel Busisiwe Kunene on 082 422 8198 or call CrimeStop number at 08600 10111,” said Mohlala.
