Members of farm watch help police arrest house robbery suspects
The three suspects were arrested after a high-speed car chase along the R40 in the Mopani district.
LIMPOPO – The police, aided by a tracking company and members of the farm watch in the Phalaborwa area, arrested three men hours after they reportedly robbed a couple at gun point. The incident happened in the early house of Saturday (September 25) in Lulekani village.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo says it is alleged the armed suspects broke into the couple’s home at around 03:30. “The suspects tied up the husband and his wife before they robbed them of their cellphone. In the process, one shot was reportedly fired, but no one got injured,” he explained.
The suspects then fled the scene in the couple’s vehicle, a Nissan LDV.
Mojapelo said the incident was reported to the authorities and the police upon receiving the complaint, responded swiftly and the stolen vehicle was spotted on the R40 road. “A high-speed car chase ensued and with the with assistance of a local tracker company and members of the Farm Watch in the area, the stolen vehicle was eventually stopped a few kilometres from Acornhoeck. The police arrested three men, aged between 37 and 40, on the scene.
He added that a firearm with ammunition, the robbed cellphone and the stolen bakkie were recovered.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court today on charges of house robbery, possession of suspected stolen properties and possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition.
“More charges may be added as they will still be profiled to determine if they were previously involved in any other crimes.”
The provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe commended the swift response of the police and continuous support of community members.
