POLOKWANE – Police spokesperson Lt Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe says the suspects were attempting to sell 395.5kg of copper wire in Ladanna with an estimated street value of R 20 000 when the stolen copper was seized.
The arrests occurred following a joint clean-up operation by Limpopo SAPS comprising of various units.
“The operation was conducted through roadblocks, stop and searches, raids of wanted suspects; illegal trade of liquor and the distribution of illegal drugs and firearms,” he says.
Ngoepe says areas covered during the operation included Seshego ,Westernburg, Mankweng, Rakgwadi, Mecklenburg, Lephalale, Jane Furse, Lebowakgomo and other parts of the province.
“The operation began last week and ended on 1 May,” he said.
A combined number of 259 suspects between the ages of 19 and 53-years-old, of which 42 were illegal immigrants, were arrested in all the above mentioned areas for offenses ranging from burglary, assault, carjacking, rape, illegal immigration, malicious damage to property, possession of dagga and firearms as well as drunken driving.
During these operations, a number of items were recovered such as stolen and hijacked cars, illegal firearms, dagga and copper wires, among others.
“The suspects arrested during this operations will appear before different Magistrate Courts soon and police investigations continue,” Ngoepe said.
The Provincial Commissioner LT. General Nneke Ledwaba and management have commended all the operatives who were involved in this work.
“Members of the community are also appreciated for their support in giving quality and reliable information to the police at all times but they are encouraged to do more,” Ledwaba concluded.
