POLOKWANE – During weekly joint operations conducted across the Limpopo Province from 15 May 2022 until yesterday, 24 May 2022, Police have arrested 889 suspects aged between 20 and 62 for crimes including murder, robberies, assault, carjacking, rape and other sexual offences, arson, stock theft, unlawful possession of firearms, drug related offences, dealing in illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Immigration Act.
On Wednesday, 18 May 2022 at about 02h45, members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol arrested a 46-year-old suspect for stock theft at Dindela village outside Hlogotlou. This was after Hlogotlou and Marble Hall Stock Theft Unit operationalized information and swiftly arrested the suspect. One stolen goat was found loaded into his sedan vehicle.
Two suspects aged 25 and 30 were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, bribery and contravention of the Immigration Act in Polokwane, on 20 May 2022. The suspects were stopped on the corner of Dahl and Excelcia Streets, driving in a white Toyota Avanza. Upon a search, police recovered a TV set, groceries and clothes which were hidden inside the vehicle. While effecting the arrest, one of the suspects reportedly offered the members R2 000.00 in cash for their release. An additional charge of bribery was added.
A 62-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm at his house in Shushumela village, Segorong section under the Tubatse policing area on Friday, 20 May 2022 at about 01h00, after he was found in possession of an unlicensed hunting rifle with an empty magazine.
During the same operation, Police have arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 36, at about 02:30, and recovered a hijacked motor vehicle. The VW Polo GTI was reportedly recovered along the R37 next to Riba Cross travelling towards Polokwane with two occupants inside.
The members swept several hot spots and in total, the operations saw the seizure of nine firearms, dagga and drugs including Crystal Meth and Nyaope while a large number of counterfeit cigarettes, two stolen/hijacked vehicles, liquor and dangerous weapons including knives were seized.
A total of 890 fines were issued for the contravention of the Road Traffic Act and 24 shebeens were closed down.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the various Police Teams for the successful joint operations.
The arrested suspects have started appearing before different Magistrates’ Courts on various offences.
The operations are still continuing.
Source: South African Police Service