The Vala Umgodi Task Team in Vhembe District is being commended for their swift action in arresting eight undocumented persons and one suspect in possession of an illegal firearm during a heightened festive season operation conducted in the Thohoyandou policing area, from the morning of Tuesday, 24 December 2024, until the evening.
At approximately 08:30, the team conducted an operation in Makwarela township under the Thohoyandou Policing area, where five undocumented persons, aged between 20 and 30, were arrested during stop-and-search operations.
While continuing their operations along the R524 road next to Manini Village, the team stopped a suspicious vehicle with three African males inside. Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered a 9mm pistol in the possession of the driver. The driver was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. One of the passengers was also found to be an undocumented person and was charged under the Immigration Act.
Further along the R524 road, next to Phangame Shopping Centre, the team arrested two more undocumented persons, aged 24 and 27.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests and praised members for their role in removing illegal firearms from the Province and preventing potential violent crimes.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 27 December 2024.
