A coordinated operation by multiple South African Police Service (SAPS) units has led to the arrest of nine notorious suspects following a series of business robberies targeting Shoprite Usave stores in the Mopani District.
The suspects were apprehended by members of the Mopani Tracking Team, Mokwakwaila Detectives, Mopani High Way Patrol, Murder and Robbery Unit, and an off-duty Bolobedu Vispol member. The arrests come after a spate of robberies in Giyani, Mokwakwaila, and Letsitele policing areas.
Robbery and Swift Police Response
On Thursday, 07 August 2025, at approximately 09:00, a group of armed suspects robbed a Shoprite Usave store, making off with an undisclosed amount of money. During the robbery, they shot a customer before fleeing.
As police responded to the scene, they received another alert about an ongoing robbery at a Usave store in Xihoko Village, Letsitele. A silver Suzuki, believed to be the getaway vehicle, was spotted on a gravel road between Ramodumo and Rajeke Villages. A high-speed chase ensued until the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police recovered the car along with various items suspected to be stolen goods.
Arrests and Recoveries
Following intelligence-driven operations, police proceeded to Skhiming Village in the Giyani policing area, where they arrested five suspects (one female and four males) aged between 35 and 50. Authorities recovered two unlicensed firearms, seven rounds of ammunition, and an undisclosed amount of money.
Further investigations led the team to Abel Village in Mokwakwaila, where two suspects from Gauteng were found in possession of one unlicensed firearm, 33 rounds of ammunition, stolen cash in coins, and cellphones. They were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property.
The next day, Friday, 08 August 2025, at around 04:00, two additional suspects were arrested in Abel Village in connection with a May 2025 Shoprite Usave robbery.
Charges and Court Appearance
The nine suspects, aged between 33 and 50, face charges including:
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Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition
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Possession of suspected stolen property
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Business robbery
They are currently detained at Giyani and Bolobedu SAPS and are scheduled to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025.
Ongoing Investigations
Police are investigating possible links to other crimes in the province.
Investigations continue.
