LIMPOPO – A major multi-unit police operation along the R81 near the Mopani District office has led to the arrest of a foreign national and the recovery of three suspected stolen motorbikes.

The operation on Tuesday (January 6) was launched after a security tracking company alerted police to a vehicle suspected of transporting stolen motorcycles.

Joint operation intercepts suspect vehicle

A joint team, comprising the Mopani District Tracking Team, Giyani K9 Unit, Public Order Policing, the Motor Vehicle Theft Unit, and private security partners, mobilised and intercepted the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered three stripped motorbikes concealed in the loading area, as well as a live round of 9mm ammunition. A 43-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers praised the operation, stating it “clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated and partnership policing in combating organised crime.”

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Separate incident yields unlicensed firearm

In a separate incident in the Tzaneen area, members of the Crime Prevention Unit and Mopani Tracking Team recovered an unlicensed loaded firearm after two men abandoned it and fled into Burgersdorp village upon seeing police patrols.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed investigations into both matters are continuing.