LIMPOPO – Two suspects have been arrested for firearm robbery in Mahwelereng after allegedly posing as Community Policing Forum (CPF) members to target a pedestrian in Zone 2. The incident, which occurred on Friday, 10 July 2026, at approximately 06:40, resulted in the swift recovery of a replica firearm and the victim’s stolen property following a community-assisted pursuit.
According to police authorities, a 35-year-old Zimbabwean national was walking to town when he was approached by the two men. The suspects introduced themselves as CPF members and requested to inspect the victim’s passport. Complying initially, the victim handed over his cellphone for verification.
After returning the device, the pair demanded additional personal information. When the victim refused, pointing out that they were not legitimate police officers, one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm from his waist. The weapon was pointed directly at the victim’s forehead, accompanied by demands for his cellphone and money.
The victim surrendered his cellphone and R440.00 in cash. However, as the suspects attempted to conduct a further physical search, the victim managed to break away and flee on foot. With the prompt assistance of local community members, the two suspects were quickly located in the vicinity.
Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and took the men into custody. A subsequent search of the suspects yielded the victim’s cellphone, a replica firearm, and a knife. Preliminary investigations have also linked the two individuals to a separate house robbery that occurred earlier in July 2026.
The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Malose Austin Seopa and 28-year-old Mokgawa Phillip Rampya, appeared before the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026. They face formal charges of robbery with a firearm.
Both men were remanded in police custody. The case has been postponed to Tuesday, 21 July 2026, to allow for a formal bail application and to facilitate further police investigations.
