LIMPOPO – The province’s special intelligence-led joint-operation made a major breakthrough after they intercepted a group of criminals who were expected to rob businesses in Tzaneen.
According to a statement issued by LT. Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, the team reacted on a tip-off which led them to a Mercerdes Benz sedan travelling along the road outside Tzaneen. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the occupants started shooting at the police as the vehicle sped off at high speed. A chase ensued in which the suspect vehicle swerved off the road and drove straight into a fence.
Six suspects aged between 28 and 38 were arrested at the scene and the following items were recovered from the vehicle:
2 x 9 mm firearms.
2 x magazines with 2 rounds.
1 x cellphone signal jamming device.
1 x 6 channel radio.
1 x Mecedez Benz sedan.
1 x Audi sedan.
Preliminary investigations revealed the AUDI was stolen in Ivory Park, Gauteng, and the chassis number of the Becedez Benz had been tampered with.
The suspects are from different areas including Sekororo , Lenyenye and Tickyline outside Tzaneen, Tembisa in Gauteng and one suspect is from Swaziland.
They face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of a cellphone jamming device, possession of stolen vehicles and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court soon and police investigations continue.
Provincial Commissioner LT. General Nneke Ledwaba is extremely happy with the efforts of the personnel involved in the arrests.
