POLOKWANE - One thousand-two hundred and eighteen (1218) suspects were arrested during the joint operations conducted by various police units since Sunday, 24 July until Monday 01 August 2022.

The offences included possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, illegal hunting, murder, attempted murder, rape, fraud, possession and dealing in drugs, common robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, Contravention of Immigration Act and possession of illicit cigarettes.

A total number of 7830 counterfeit cigarettes sticks, 25 dangerous weapons, large quantity of dagga, drugs that included Crystal Meth, Nyaope, and 15 firearms, large quantity of liquor, 21 knives and 05 stolen or robbed vehicles were also seized during these operations.

Police recovered one abandoned white Nissan at Ga-Masemola, after it was reported stolen during a house robbery incident occurred on 31 July 2022 at around 23:00 in Thabampshe Village. Another stolen vehicle, red Polo was found abandoned at Dennilton policing area, following reports about a hijacked vehicle at the area, on Saturday, 30 July 2022 at around 23:00. Whereas, Members of Limpopo Highway Patrol in Waterberg, arrested a 39-year-old suspect for possession of stolen vehicle that was reported at Phokeng Saps during July 2022. He was also charged with bribery case after he tried to offer R4010.00 to the Police to release him. Two more suspects aged 33 and 34 were arrested at Musina for possession of two stolen motor vehicles. Toyota GD6 was reported stolen at Silverton Saps and Silver Toyota Fortuner reported at Brooklyn Saps, both during July 2022.

Three suspects were arrested at Lebowakgomo on Sunday, 31 July 2022 for possession of unlicensed firearm, dealing and possession of illicit cigarettes and bribery. Allegedly, police received information about the suspects being in possession of unlicensed firearms. They tactically approached the said house and upon searching the two suspects and the house, police recovered one unlicensed firearm and illicit cigarettes loaded in a Toyota Camry. They were immediately nabbed. One of the suspects' relative approached the Police offered them R5000.00 to release his relatives. He was also arrested.

Members of Limpopo Flying Squad arrested one suspect at Mall of the North, after he was found in possession of stolen motor vehicle. Allegedly, the vehicle was reported stolen at Littleton Saps.

On Saturday, 29 July 2022, the Police in Groblersdal nabbed one suspect after he was allegedly found in possession of stolen vehicle that was reported stolen at Erasmia Saps, during July 2022.

A 30-year-old suspect was arrested by Members of Limpopo Highway Patrol in Sekhukhune for allegedly, found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, on Thursday, 28 July 2022.

Members of Flying Squad arrested six suspects aged between 19 and 40 in connection with murder case that occurred at Maleboho policing area during April this year.

The suspects have started appearing before their local Magistrate's court across the province.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has praised the Police teams for arresting the suspects and keeping this province safe.

The operations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service