Two men are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of common robbery following their arrest for an incident in the CBD on Monday.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the men, aged 34 and 38, were identified after a video of the robbery was shared on social media.

The video, taken outside a butchery in President Paul Kruger Street, shows the victim handing his goods in for safekeeping before he is grabbed around the neck by one of the men.

The men, who are all seen wearing face masks to hide their identities, take the victim’s wallet and cellphone and search for other valuable goods on his person before throwing him to the ground and walking away.

“Six suspects were caught on video robbing a Zimbabwean national of his belongings before fleeing the scene on foot. A tactical-driven operation was launched by the Polokwane Tracing Team and Crime Intelligence Unit once police were notified and the suspects were arrested in Mmotong, outside Seshego on Tuesday and Wednesday,” his statement reads.

Mojapelo says preliminary investigations revealed the suspects work under a syndicate called ‘Makgamasa’ that operates around Polokwane and targets foreign nationals.

“These suspects disguise as police officials and request legal documentations and passports from their potential targets or victims. Moreover, some of the victims are taken to remote places and robbed of valuable goods such as cellphones and money,” he adds.

A manhunt for the remaining four suspects is underway and anyone who can identify the suspects is urged to contact the Polokwane branch commander, Colonel Lenkie Mathebula, on 082 628 3172, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. Alternatively, make use of the My SAPS app.