POLOKWANE – A 37-year-old suspect believed to be part of a gang of criminals sought by police for serious and violent crimes committed in the Sekhukhune district was arrested, subsequent to a successful tactical intelligence driven operation that was conducted in the Matlerekeng policing area yesterday, Thursday 24 November 2022.

The Detective members from Matlerekeng followed information provided by Groblersdal and Marble Hall Crime Intelligence Unit about a group of criminals terrorising communities with robberies around Dennilton, Matlerekeng including Siyabuswa in the Mpumalanga province. One of the suspects was tracked down and arrested at Tshikanoshi village after he attempted to evade arrest. The suspect fled on foot into the nearby bushes but police gave chase and managed to arrest him.

During the search at his house, police confiscated the following items; 01 9mm pistol, 01x magazine with 06 live rounds, 64x live rounds, grinder, whiskey brands and undisclosed amount of cash.

Preliminary police investigations positively linked the suspect with four cases of business robbery committed earlier this month.

The suspect will appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, 28 November 2022, facing charges of armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen properties and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

The manhunt for other suspects is underway.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for the success and has called upon community members to continue assisting the Police in the fight against crime.

Anyone with information that can lead to their arrest should contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Frans Feni on 072 414 1748, or the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service