Limpopo cops foil business robbery
Four suspects, including a police constable, were arrested yesterday (July 23).
LIMPOPO – Four men between the ages of 34 and 36, including a police constable, are expected to appear in the Motetema Magistrate’s Court soon.
The men were arrested at 15:00 yesterday (July 23) following a tip off regarding an intended business robbery in the Leeuwfontein area.
According to a statement by police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, a
snap operation comprising of members of the Limpopo Tracking Team, Limpopo Provincial Investigating Unit, Pretoria Airwing and Motetema detectives was activated to track down the suspects.
He said when the team arrived, the armed suspects had already entered the business premises.
“The suspects reportedly got into two vehicles and sped off in different directions when they spotted the police. A high speed car chase ensued and the occupants of one of the vehicles, that took the direction of Mapyane, allegedly started shooting at the police, who returned fire,” Mojapelo explained.
The said vehicle came to a stop and two injured suspects were arrested.
“One of them was identified as a police constable stationed at the Mahwelereng Police Station. A third suspect was found fatally wounded, and a firearm was found in the vehicle,” he added.
Mojapelo said the other vehicle was cornered near Groblersdal and two suspects were arrested, while another firearm was found when police searched the vehicle.
The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests.
“The arrest of one of our members should send a strong message that the South African Police Service does not have place for criminals masquerading as police members,” she said.
Hadebe also hailed the recovery of firearms at the hands of dangerous suspects.
“The recovered firearms will be subject to ballistic examination to determine if they were previously involved in the commission of other serious crimes. The suspects are expected to face charges of business robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving,” Mojapelo explained.
Police investigations continue.
