Sixteen arrested during intelligence-driven operation

Police arrested 16 suspects, aged between 21 and 53, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted in several clusters across the province on the weekend.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe stated that the suspects are expected to appear in various courts on charges of among others money laundering, business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. He said a 52-year-old suspect was arrested at Tom Burke after being found in possession of R600 000 in cash which he had not declared at the Stockpoort port of entry. The cash, reportedly found hidden in the suspect’s vehicle, was confiscated and the driver charged with money laundering.
Police also arrested two suspects on charges of robbery in Mokopane.
According to Ngoepe the two are believed to have been involved in an incident on 13 November when three armed criminals broke into a house. They allegedly threatened two security officers, tied their hands and legs with cables and robbed five cell phones, two-way radios, five plasma television sets and towels.
The television sets, cell phones and towels were later recovered during their arrest and a Toyota Corolla apparently used during the robbery was also seized, according to Ngoepe.
Ngoepe referred to an incident where two suspects were arrested at Driekop outside Burgersfort on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of copper cables valued at approximately R100 000.
In a separate incident in the same area Police arrested another five suspects who were in possession of copper cable valued at R70 000.
Lastly, Police arrested six suspects on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition outside Hoedspruit. The arrest was done after Police received a tip-off from members of the community about a planned poaching in the area.
The suspects were intercepted and arrested. A rifle, 29 rounds of live ammunition and a silencer were confiscated.
Ngoepe warned that similar operations will be conducted regularly especially with the Festive Season approaching. He also urged communities to provide Police with information in order to make successful arrests.

Story: RC Myburgh
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