POLOKWANE – The syndicate was dismantled following the establishment of a dedicated task team by SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lt. General Nneke Ledwaba, after a spate of petrol stations bombings in which drop-in safes were blown up.
Read more: [WATCH] Two Polokwane fuel stations targeted in attempted safe bombings
Police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the joint intelligence led, tactical operation, composed of various police units was conducted in Polokwane, Mankweng, Seshego, Tzaneen and Giyani.
You might also want to read: Manhunt launched for suspects involved in Polokwane petrol station bombings
“During this operation, seven suspects between the ages of 25 and 41-years-old were arrested and were positively linked to business robberies which occurred at the following places and petrol stations:
Photo: Limpopo Police
– Total (Fauna Park) in Polokwane
– Engen garage along Webster street in Polokwane
– Total garage (Nobody) in Mankweng
– Sasol garage in Tzaneen
– Total garage in Tzaneen
– Sasol garage in Senwabarwana
– Viva garage in Mogwadi (Dendron)
– Sasol garage in Thohoyandou
– Caltex garage in Phalaborwa
– Ritavi attempted murder, house robbery and kidnapping.
“One of these arrested suspects was highly wanted in connection with an armed robbery in Maake which occurred around January 2018,” Ngoepe added.
You might also want to read: Police search for wanted suspect linked to Polokwane and Tzaneen petrol station bombings
The following items were recovered during these operations:
– A VW polo
– Large amount of damaged cash of money.
– Airtime, cigarettes, handcuffs, gloves, clothing, three small plastic bags of dagga and other drugs, one round of live ammunition, cellphones as well as an SANDF jacket and cap.
“More arrests are still eminent and the arrested suspects will appear before various Magistrate Courts throughout the province soon on multiple charges of business robberies, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and properties.”
Five of the suspects have already appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court on charges of business robberies and they were remanded in custody until 31 May to allow for further investigations.
Provincial Commissioner Lt. General Nneke Ledwaba has praised the commitment by all members involved in the crackdown and further assured the citizens of Limpopo that these teams of men and women in blue are ever ready to serve them with pride at all times.
“In turn, people should continue to give us undivided support in terms of providing quality and reliable information about any criminal activities taking place in and around their areas,” he concluded.
