Store robbed: Police arrest three in Polokwane, Mankweng
The men were arrested in separate operations conducted by members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) together with various tracking teams
POLOKWANE – A joint operation conducted by the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) and members of the SAPS tracking unit last week, led to the arrest of three business robbers. The men were traced and arrested shortly after robbing a clothing store in Seshego of cellphones.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo says the criminals were arrested in the Polokwane and Makweng areas respectively. “The police arrested the first suspect in Ivy Park after he was found in the possession of empty cellphone boxes, while the second suspect was traced to the central business district of the city and was arrested.” Mojapalo explained that the police recovered some of the stolen cellphones as well as an unlicensed firearm during the arrest.
“The third suspect was arrested in Mankweng and the remaining stolen cellphones and a vehicle which was used during the crime was confiscated, was recovered,” he said.
The said vehicle was reported stolen in the Makhado policing area.
 All three suspects faces charges related to robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and are expected to appear in the relevant magistrate court soon.
This successful operation was one of several conducted throughout the province out by members of the police this past week. Mojapelo explained that the relentless efforts by members to bring the levels of crime down across the province led to the arrest of 1 287 suspects, during various operations conducted in the province from Monday last week until the early hours of this morning.Â
“The suspects, aged between 19 and 64, were arrested for various crimes including kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen properties, robberies, burglaries, possession and dealing in drugs and illicit cigarettes,assault, MITP, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, Contravention of the National Road Traffic Act, Illegal Immigration Act, driving under influence and the Contravention of the regulations under the Disaster Management Act.”
Other operational successes included the arrest of two more suspects who were involved in the recent kidnapping of a businessperson from Burgersfort. He explained that the victim was held captive for several days while the suspects demanded thousands of Rands in ransom from the family. “The victim was released unharmed and intensive investigations led to the arrest of suspects, aged 23 and 26, in Dan Village.”
He added that 1 000 sim cards of different network providers, believed to be the ones used during negotiations were also recovered on the scene.
The suspects arrested during these operations are expected to appear before the relevant provincial magistrate court soon.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe commended the teams for their high levels of commitment and determination shown during the various operations.
