1 531 suspects arrested as SAPS festive season operations intensify in Limpopo
Among the suspects arrested was seven people who were apprehended in Polokwane for crimes related to smuggling illicit goods and possession of a suspected stolen property.
LIMPOPO – The intensified police operations conducted in the province since the start of the festive season continues to yield results. This is evident following the arrest of 1 531 people since Monday (November 29) until Tuesday (December 7).
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo the operations were conducted by SAPS members from the various departments including Limpopo Tracking Team, FCS, the detectives, Flying Squad, Organised Crime unit, Crime Intelligence, Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP), Stock Theft unit, VCIU and Public Order Policing (POPS).
“The suspects are between the ages of 23 and 57 and were apprehended for crimes related to murder, robberies, rape, sexual offences, burglary business, stock theft, possession of stolen property, theft of motor vehicles, possession of illicit cigarettes and dealing in drugs.”
Mojapelo listed a few of the past week’s successes:Â
Polokwane
Four men, aged between 24 and 51, were arrested on Monday by members of the Provincial Tracking Team after they were found in the possession of illicit cigarettes.Â
“Police received information about a superlink truck that was carrying a consignment of illicit cigarettes concealed in scrap canisters that managed to pass through the Beitbridge Border Post. The said truck was spotted at the N1/R71 intersection on the outskirts of Polokwane and stopped. During the search the police recovered illicit cigarettes worth R1m and all four occupants were arrested.”
Three of the suspects will also be charged for contravening the Immigration Act.
Meanwhile in Ladanna, members of the Polokwane Vehicle Investigative unit managed to arrest three men, aged 23 and 27, and recover a suspected stolen trailer worth R20 000.
A toy gun, bullet proof vest and a charcoal bakkie amounting to R400 000 which was used during the commission of the crime, were also seized during the arrest.
Louis Trichardt
Two men, aged 23 and 35, were arrested for the possession of illicit goods during a joint operation conducted by the Makhado Crime Intelligence, Limpopo Highway Patrol team and Mphephu crime prevention unit.
Mojapelo said the accused were found in the possession of illicit cigarettes valued at R1 612 000 during an intelligence led operation that was conducted in Mphephu policing area under Vhembe district.
“During the arrest, 124 boxes of Remington Gold and one minibus were seized by the police,” he added.
Mokopane and Mahwelereng
“The swift response by Mahwelereng Crime Intelligence and Mokopane Stock Theft Unit resulted in the arrest of three suspects for alleged stock theft in the Mahwereleng policing area under Waterberg district.”
Mojapelo explained the the police received information about a bakkie towing a trailer with suspected stolen live stock. “Immediately after receiving the information, the vehicle was spotted along the N11 road and pulled over. A total of 54 goats and eight sheep with the estimated value of R90 000 were confiscated and the suspects, aged between 22 and 32, were arrested.”
Musina
A 25-year-old man was arrested by members of the Provincial Crime Intelligence Narcotic Team after he was found in he possession of 36 sachets of crystal meth with estimated street value of R5 400
The suspect was arrested in the Musina CBD after he was caught delivering the drugs to his clients around town. “His vehicle which is valued at R150 000 with the drugs were confiscated during the arrest.
Lebowakgomo
Two men were arrested for possession of stolen motor vehicle that was reportedly stolen in October this year in Hillbrow, Gauteng province. The Nissan Hardbody bakkie valued at R75 000.00 was tested and positively matched the description of the stolen vehicle, Mojapelo said.
Other successes includes the seizure of 212 424 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes, 40 dangerous weapons, 4 664 grams of dagga, 11 dagga plants, nine grams of crystal meth, 36 grams of mandrax powder, 11 grams of nyaope, 10 firearms, 1 347 677ml liquor, 40 knives, 2 trailers, a bullet proof vest, five vehicles confiscated and 11 stolen/robbed vehicles. A total of 1 797 fines were also issued during this period.
Some of the arrested suspects have already started appearing in the various magistrate’s courts across the Province.Â
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe saluted the men and women in blue for their sterling work. She further warned would-be criminals that the SAPS will stop at nothing to ensure that the festive season is celebrated in a safe and peaceful environment.
The operations still continue.
