MBOMBELA - Four armed suspects appeared before the Kanyamazane Magistrate's Court near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga today. Brig Leonard Hlathi, of the police in Mpumalanga, said Godfrey "Spykos" Sambo 26, Nkosinathi Shabangu 33, Collen Mofokeng 34 and Prince "General" Mathebula 28, are facing charges of hijacking, attempted murder as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Their court appearance follows a police chase on Saturday night after the suspects hijacked a black Volkswagen Golf at Mattaffin. The Nelspruit Flying Squad followed the suspects from Nelspruit to Kanyamazane, where the suspects opened fire at the police and the police retaliated. No one was injured. Members of the Flying Squad arrested four suspects and recovered two firearms. One firearm was recovered from the suspects and another from nearby bushes.

Hlathi said profiling of the suspects is underway to check their involvement in other criminal activities. The firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.

Police are searching for a fifth suspect who got away in the stolen vehicle.

The four were remanded in custody and will appear before the Kabokweni Magistrate's Court again tomorrow, January 30.

Submitted: Brig Leonard Hlati
Subeditor: Amanda Celliers