POLOKWANE – The simultaneous joint operations conducted in all the districts of Limpopo have resulted in the arrest of 984 suspects aged between 19 and 46 for various offences that include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual offences, possession of suspected stolen properties, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, dealing in drugs and illicit cigarettes.

These suspects were arrested during operations conducted for a period between 21 October to 31 October 2021, comprising members derived from various Police units such as Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, K9, VCIU, POPs, FCS, Flying Squad, Stock Theft, Detectives etc.

The police made a major breakthrough in arresting two of the suspects involved in carjacking, kidnapping and rape of a woman in the Westenburg policing area last month on 23 October.The suspects Thapelo Mohlala aged 31 and Klaas Thelele aged 36 were arrested at Ga-Chuene village in Lebowakgomo policing precinct on 27 October 2021 by members of Mankweng Crime Intelligence and Highway Patrol Team. The suspects were cornered sitting inside their red Nissan Santra. When police searched the vehicle, they discovered one 9mm pistol with ammunition, speakers and an amplifier. The two suspects have appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2021, facing charges of carjacking, kidnapping and rape and they will appear again on 08 November 2021 for formal bail application. They will still appear in Lebowakgomo on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen properties. The search for the remaining suspect continues.

Meanwhile, the fight against Trio crimes received a major boost following the arrest of suspects involved in robberies in the Vhembe District.

On 02 November 2021, the police in Malamulele acted swiftly in arresting two suspects soon after they robbed a store in Xisasi village. The two armed suspects allegedly entered the shop and pointed the owner with firearms, demanding cash. They then managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones, using a VW Polo. Police were notified and the said vehicle was seen at Danga village. One suspect jumped off and ran on foot leaving behind his accomplice. Police gave chase but the suspect started to shoot at the police who responded with fire. The 38-year-old suspect was shot and taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Two 9mm pistols and VW Polo were confiscated. The arrested suspect aged 48, is expected to appear before Malamulele Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen properties.

Meanwhile, the Highway Patrol members on 02 November 2021, were busy with normal patrol duties around Makhado when they received a complaint of business burglary at one of the clothing stores in the CBD. Upon arrival, they found that the suspects had stolen undisclosed number of cellphones valued at about R180 000-00. Five suspects aged between 27 and 43 were arrested with back up from Visible Policing members, Detectives and Crime Intelligence, assisted by the local security company in the same area shortly after the burglary. Police recovered the stolen cellphones and cash amounting to R17 000-00.

In the Sekhukhune district, Highway Patrol members on 01 November 2021, were patrolling when they stopped a suspicious motor vehicle at Mamone village in the Jane Furse policing area. The vehicle was circulated and was reported stolen in Kimberly during 2017. The 36-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot.

In the Capricorn district, a 38-year-old suspect was arrested at a taxi rank in the Polokwane City on 31 October 2021, after he was found in possession of dagga with the estimated street value of over R5000-00.

Police on the same day, arrested a 29-year-old suspect  for carjacking at Seshego zone 05.The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and the hijacked VW Golf 7 was recovered in the same area.

The police also confiscated the following items: 921 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes, 20 dangerous weapons, 961grams of dagga, 18 dagga plants, 07 firearms, 435ml liquor, 18 knives, 06 stolen/robbed vehicles and 3474 fines issued for failing to adhere to the Road Traffic Act.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the hardwork and dedication of the members in fighting criminal activities across this province and the endless support of the community and private sectors.

Some of the arrested suspects are still expected to appear before various magistrate’s courts across the province.

Source: South African Police Service