POLOKWANE – Three people arrested on charges of money laundering, among others, will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon, said the police in statement on Thursday evening.
A man and two women were arrested at around 05:00 on Thursday (October 7) in the central business district after they were found in the possession of suspected stolen South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo explained that the police received information about the suspects who were in the possession of Sassa cards and were withdrawing money at an ATM at the corner of Jorissen and Schoeman streets.
“Members of the Limpopo Tracking Team and Provincial Investigating Unit responded and arrived on the scene to find a man and two women at the said place. When the trio spotted the police they attempted to flee but were cornered and searched.”
Mojapelo said that each culprit carried a side bag and when searched the police recovered 70 Sassa cards and R59 180 cash.
“The culprits failed to account for the origin and ownership of the cards and they were immediately taken into custody.”
Their vehicle was also confiscated during the arrest.
Investigations revealed that the trio, aged between 29 and 47, are from Moletjie and Makgodu villages respectively. They have been charged with possession of suspected stolen goods and money laundering, he added.
“Further Police investigations will be conducted to determine the ownership of cards and how the suspects got hold of them.”
Anyone with information about this incident or other using a similar modus operandi can contact Det Sgt Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233. Alternatively they can contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number on 086 001 0111 or their nearest police station.
Their arrest was lauded by provincial police commissioner Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe. She commended the members for their quick response to the information that ultimately led to the apprehension of the suspects.
