Local cop arrested for business robbery in Limpopo

A 26-year-old traffic officer from Mkhuhlu Cost Centre outside Hazyview was arrested in connection with a business robbery. He allegedly committed the crime with two other men in Lulekani Township near Phalaborwa.

Mr Thabo Mona appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on November 17 facing a charge of business robbery. The matter was postponed to November 23. He remains in custody.

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His arrest comes after allegations that the trio robbed a foreigner’s shop in Lulekani on November 15 at gunpoint. The complainant alleges that the trio robbed him of R2 000 cash and airtime vouchers worth an estimated value of R1 500.  The complainant adds that he was missed by a gunshot from one of his attackers who shot at him while he tried to run for his dear life.

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“The local police were called to the scene by neighbours and a back-up from Hoedspruit police station was also called to assist in chasing the suspects. Mona was arrested near Mica on the same day while the other two suspects fled on foot. Police are still looking for them,” explained Joseph Mabuza, spokesperson for the department of community safety, security and liaison.

MEC Petros Ngomane added that although this incident may tarnish the image of law enforcers in general, it also shows that members of the police are determined to deal with criminals even if suspects are law enforcers.
He insists that this also shows that there is no person who is above the law regardless of  their positions.

“We cannot have people who continue to tarnish the name of the department and the good work that other traffic officers are doing. Police and traffic officers are supposed to uphold the law and also protect communities,” said Ngomane.

“If Mona will be found guilty, he must pay the price and face the law so that other traffic officers or police officers who think they can do as they please can get the message,” he said