Limpopo road-spiking gang: Two more arrested in Gauteng
The suspects, of which one is a volunteer at a SAPS victim support centre, were arrested a day after their counterparts.
LIMPOPO – Provincial police on Wednesday evening confirmed that two more people were arrested in connection with the recent spate of road-spike robbery incidents in Limpopo.
On Monday (September 6) two suspects were along the N1 outside Mokopane during a joint operation conducted by the Mokopane Crime Prevention Unit, aided by the Modimolle K9 and Mokopane Crime Intelligence units, various detectives and members of the private sector.
During the arrest the police confiscated a 9mm pistol and ammunition as well as a bag containing welded spikes.
According to a Facebook post by the Heritage Protection group the arrested suspects were part of a group of four men, of which two are still on the run.
Investigations led the team to Gauteng where two more suspects were arrested in Mabopane outside Pretoria on Tuesday (September 7). According to police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo one of the suspects is a volunteer at the victim support centre at Rietgat Police Station, while the other is an undocumented foreign national.
A 303 rifle with a sound suppressor, a police reflector jacket, several suspected stolen items and vehicle belonging to the department of social development was recovered during the arrest, he said.
All four suspects Brighton Chauke (51), Paul Mudzingwa (47), Tshepiso Relela (32) and Percy Chauke (32) appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and were remanded in custody until September 17.
They face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearm and ammunition and contravention of immigration act.
Mojapleo earlier told Review that the suspects have been linked to road-spiking incidents along the N4. “Investigation continue and more arrests are expected soon,” he concluded.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects should contact Lt Col Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Sgt Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233. Alternately, they can contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number on 086 001 0111 or their nearest police station.
