LIMPOPO – Police have arrested two suspects following an armed robbery involving a courier delivery vehicle in the Giyani policing area.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on Wednesday, while two courier employees were delivering parcels in the area.

According to police, the 39-year-old driver and his colleague had just completed a delivery at Shimange Village shortly after 10:00 and were travelling towards Giyani when they were allegedly ambushed near the R81.

Police said the victims were intercepted by a VW without registration plates carrying five men. Four of the suspects got out of the vehicle, with two reportedly pointing firearms at the complainants and ordering them to stop.

Two men then entered the delivery bakkie, forcing the driver and his colleague to sit between them while the suspects drove towards the bushes near Basani Village.

Police said the VW followed behind as the robbers offloaded several parcels from the courier vehicle into the Polo. The stolen goods reportedly included cellphones, medication, electrical appliances and other parcels valued at about R20 000.

The robbers locked the two victims inside the loading compartment of the bakkie before fleeing the scene. The victims later managed to call for help and were assisted by a passerby who broke the padlock and freed them.

The incident was reported to police, prompting the activation of the Mopani Tracking Team. After following up on information regarding the suspect vehicle, police intercepted it at Mavele Village.

According to police, three suspects fled on foot during the operation, while two men aged 35 and 36 were arrested. Items believed to be stolen during the robbery were found in the suspects’ possession.

The VW Polo and recovered items were confiscated for further investigation. No injuries were reported, although police said shots were fired during the incident.

A case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened, and the suspects are expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court today.

Police investigations are continuing, and authorities have appealed to members of the public with information about the remaining suspects to come forward.