Police wage war on criminals across province

Police in Limpopo waged war against criminals this past week. Suspects involved in criminal activities such as armed robberies, possession of illegal cigarettes, stock theft and possession of unlicensed firearms found themselves on the wrong end of justice
Armed robbery
A manhunt by Tzaneen Police continues for four armed men who attacked two security guards at a business in Tzaneen last Tuesday evening. Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said the suspect gained access to the premises and held the guards at gunpoint. “The suspects allegedly stole the guards’ cell phones as well as eight chainsaws, six digging forks, 28 litres of diesel, seven car batteries, six car wheels, a compressor, a generator, two car jacks, a toolbox, 20 litres of oil and a Nissan bakkie canopy. They also tried to steal a vehicle from the premises but failed and fled in the same vehicle they arrived in,” Ngoepe said.
Illegal cigarettes
In Cumberland near Groblersbrug Police found illegal cigarettes valued at R1 million in a bakkie and trailer last Tuesday morning. Provincial Police Spokesperson Ronel Otto said Police received information about the load and immediately launched a search for the vehicle. “The bakkie and trailer were seen entering a farm when Police pulled the driver over. The vehicle and trailer were filled with master boxes of illicit cigarettes. Two Pakistani nationals were arrested. Further investigations led Police to the foreman of the farm where a second trailer with cigarettes was found. The foreman was also arrested,” Otto said.
The trio was expected to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court last Thursday.
Conspiracy to commit rhino poaching
Four suspects appeared in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and conspiracy to commit rhino poaching last Thursday.
Gilbert Chalmers, Philip Ndlovu, Fanaloti Lekhuleni and Cassie Steyn will appear in court again on 28 September. Chalmers and Steyn were released on R5 000 bail each while the other two remained in custody.
Their court appearance followed the arrest of Chalmers by the provincial Rhino Task Team on the Orpen road outside Hoedspruit last Wednesday. “Police followed up on information and traced the vehicle. After searching the vehicle Police found a .375 rifle with silencer and ammunition. Chalmers was not licensed to carry the weapon,” Otto said.
Fraud and corruption
Police in Tzaneen arrested a 26-year-old man from Gauteng on Saturday and he was expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and corruption on Monday.
Ngoepe said the man allegedly purchased six laptops from a computer store in Tzaneen by depositing a fraudulent cheque into the business owner’s bank account. “The suspect then sent an SMS to the business owner saying he made an electronic transfer into his bank account. The business owner became suspicious and informed the Police who set a trap for the suspect,” Ngoepe said.
Meanwhile Limpopo Hawks’ Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested Police Constable Mahlatse Phillip Tselana stationed at Groblersbrug and his friend Lesley Molele on charges of corruption on Saturday.
Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke said it is reported that Tselana demanded a bribe from Mozambican nationals in June 2016 in order to allow them to cross over the border with a vehicle that was stolen from the Department of Agriculture in North West. “The foreigners allegedly paid R5 000 on the spot and promised to pay an outstanding R16 000 into Molele’s bank account. The payment of R16 000 was made,” Maluleke said. Both appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance in September.
Rape suspect apprehended
Police in Jane Furse have apprehended a 32-year-old man wanted for cases of rape and business robbery in the area. Provincial Head of Communication Motlafela Mojapelo said Police tried to stop the suspect during a routine stop and search operation on Sunday. “The suspect accompanied by two friends sped off and Police opened fire. He sustained several gunshot wound and one of his friends was also hit. Both were hospitalised. The driver of the vehicle will appear in court as soon as he has recovered,” Mojapelo said.
Church, shacks set alight

Police in Ritavi are still searching for a group of culprits responsible for setting alight several shacks and a church in Lenyenye on Monday morning.
Ngoepe said the motive behind the incident is still unknown and that Police are investigating a case of arson.
Escapees rearrested
A second escapee from the three trial awaiting prisoners who escaped from Letsitele Police Station holding cells on Sunday evening has been rearrested.
Ike Ngobeni and Muye Makgopa were rearrested within two days of their escape. Bethuel Simango is still on the run and a special task force was established to track him down.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Featured photo: Bethuel Simango is still on the run after escaping from the Letsitele Police holding cells.