Suspects in connection with 10 cases in court, SAPS hunt for cohorts
Several items such as plasma TVs, clothing, cell phones and a fridge that had reportedly been stolen from various retail stores and residences were recovered during the arrest.
JANE FURSE – Two suspects are scheduled to reappear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court today in connection with 10 cases.
Service Mashilo (34) and Ben Thobejane (38) were arrested in connection with 10 serious and violent cases of murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies, allegedly committed in the Sekhukhune District Municipality over a period of several months.
The suspects first appeared in court on April 23. They were remanded in custody for a formal bail application and further SAPS investigations.
“These suspects are believed to be part of a gang of criminals that has been terrorising members of the community, especially the business sector in and around the Sekhukhune area. They were apprehended at their houses during the tactical intelligence driven joint operation conducted by the SAPS, the Limpopo provincial tracking team and investigations unit, the SAPS Limpopo Highway Patrol team and members of the Jane Furse Police Station,” said Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
Several items such as plasma TVs, clothing, cell phones and a fridge that had reportedly been stolen from various retail stores and residences were recovered during the arrest.
“The preliminary SAPS investigations further indicated that one of the suspects is on bail for ATM bombing case which took place at Mahlakung Plaza in the Sekororo area under the Maake policing precinct outside Tzaneen in the Mopani District Municipality during October,” said Ngoepe.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba, praised the sterling job done by this team of detectives. “We will keep fighting these criminals until they are behind bars and find no space to operate in Limpopo,” he said.
The suspects may still be linked to other similar cases in the province. The hunt for the remaining suspects and police investigations are still under way. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of any other members of the gang, may contact Det Sgt Phaladi Makola on 082-749-2233 or Lt Col Richard Boshomane on 079-894-5501, or the Crime Stop number on 08600-10111. Alternatively, visit the nearest police station or use the My SAPS app, downloadable for free
