The breakthrough came after Tzaneen police station members and Cluster Crime Intelligence officers received a tip-off from community members about the whereabouts of a five-member crime syndicate.
According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe the members of the syndicate aged between 21 and 32 have been terrorizing the communities in Maake, Ritavi, Tzaneen and Bolobedu policing areas.
Ngoepe said community members spotted a Polo car without the registration numbers at the back travelling from Lephepane to Tzaneen and immediately alerted the police.
“The police responded without delay and the suspects were arrested,” he said.
Meanwhile in Bolobedu, a 65 year-old man was arrested at Mamphakhati village for planting of dagga estimated to be worth R25 000.
Ngoepe said the arrest was made through a tip-off from members of the community.
“The dagga trees were uncovered in a field belonging to the suspect,” said Ngoepe.
In another incident, a 14 year-old girl was arrested for possession of dagga at her parental home at Relela in Bolobedu South.
Ngoepe said this was also on a tip-off from members of the community.
“All the arrested suspects appeared before Bolobedu and Tzaneen Magistrate Courts from Tuesday on various charges ranging from possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of dagga, planting of dagga and possession of suspected stolen properties. Police investigations are still continuing,” concluded Ngoepe.
