LIMPOPO – This operation, which composed of different police unit, targeted the crime infested areas through road blocks, stop and searches, patrols, raids of illegal businesses and liquor outlets in the Seshego, Polokwane, Tzaneen/Phalaborwa and Burgersfort clusters.
According to a statement issued by Police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, these operations clamped down on criminals (aged between 19 and 51) for various offenses ranging from assault GBH, possession of dagga, murder, illegal immigration, burglary residence, rape, theft, attempted murder, armed robbery, business robbery, burglary business, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen properties, possession of dagga, possession of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles to carjacking.
Some of the successes achieved during these operations included the following:
• In the Hoedspruit Policing area outside Phalaborwa, five suspects (aged between 26 and 42) were arrested for possession of unlicensed fire arms, dangerous weapons, ammunition. During these arrests one 375 calibre rifle with silencer, 11 life rounds of ammunition, an axe and a knife were confiscated.
• In the Seshego Cluster, three suspects (aged between 23 and 30) were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen vehicle and car hijacking. During the arrests a Ford Sting (with false registration which was reported hijacked in Burgersfort), one 9mm pistol, one magazine and 12 live rounds of ammunition (reported stolen in Seshego during a burglary residential) and two cellphones (reported stolen in Burgersfort were conficated.
• In the Polokwane Cluster at Westenburg, a 36-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs.
• In the Tzaneen Cluster at Tickeyline village of the Maake Policing area, a 31-year-old man was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of drugs. One firearm with magazine (reported stolen at Deerpark outside Tzaneen) and 0,732 grams of dagga were confiscated.
• In the Polokwane Cluster at Solomondale of the Sebayeng Policing area, two suspects (aged 23 and 25) were arrested for business robbery, assault GBH and possession of drugs.
All the arrested suspects have already started appearing in different Magistrates Courts throughout the Province, confirmed Ngoepe.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo LT.General Nneke Ledwaba commended members who continue to participate actively in these ongoing operations and work tirelessly in the removal of these offenders off the streets.