Robbery, guns, kidnapping: Limpopo Highway Patrol nets 8 suspects

South African Police Service

Robbery, guns, kidnapping: Limpopo Highway Patrol nets 8 suspects
Robbery, guns, kidnapping: Limpopo Highway Patrol nets 8 suspects

The Limpopo Highway Patrol team over the weekend, arrested eight suspects on various offences including armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and kidnapping, at Mokopane, Motetema, Lebowakgomo, Musina and Thohoyandou respectively.

On Friday, 15 October 2021 the Police received information about a white VW Golf 6 whose occupants had allegedly committed a robbery at Mokopane and immediately followed the leads. The vehicle matching the description given was spotted along the R101 road. After noticing the police they speed off in the direction of Polokwane and a short distance car chase ensued. The suspects then stopped next to the N1 bypass under Mokopane policing area.

The Police immediately surrounded the vehicle and searched it. Two unlicensed firearms and cash money were recovered. Further investigations revealed that the vehicle was tampered with and the registration number plates fitted on the vehicle belonged to the Saps Limpopo Tracking Team. The vehicle was reported stolen at Olievenhoutbosch during April 2021. Three suspects were then immediately arrested.

On 14 October 2021, police arrested one suspect for an alleged kidnapping that took place at Motetema. The police made a follow up on the information received until the victim was located at Ephephia Lodge and suspect had already left but police managed to recover his firearm and car keys. He was later arrested while trying to steal from the victim’s vehicle that was parked at the police station.

On Saturday, 16 October 2021 two suspects were arrested at Lebowakgomo taxi rank for possession of drugs, theft with warrant of arrest issued, resisting arrest and interfering with police duties.

In Musina, Limpopo Highway Patrol team and Tracking Team Members recovered stolen items at a certain house in Musina, eleven (11) tower batteries were linked to theft case at Sekgosese policing area and other items such as New redbat jeans,1x plasma Jvc TV 90cm , 3x pack of rg cigarettes, 2x VW car keys and car parts.

Meanwhile, one suspect was also apprehended in connection with attempted murder incident that occurred during November 2018 at Thohoyandou policing area.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for their dedication and also appreciated their efforts for continuing to keep this province safe from criminal activities.

All the arrested suspects will soon appear before local magistrate courts.

SAPS Newsroom

SOURCESouth African Police Service