Police officers were strategically placed at the Mall of the North in Bendor Park, Polokwane, following a tip-off of a planned bank robbery yesterday.

SAPS’ Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says two police teams noticed a suspicious sedan driving up and down the parking lot. The vehicle was later identified as a rental.

Police waited until most of the shops closed and approached the occupants as they were about to leave the mall’s parking lot.

“Upon searching the vehicle, clothing and other items from various stores were found, and the five individuals were unable to provide any proof of purchase for these items,” says Ledwaba.

He adds that the managers of the stores in question were contacted, and all confirmed that the items were indeed stolen goods.

Police confiscated the goods and the rental vehicle.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant Thembi Hadebe praised the team for arresting the suspects and being alert.

The suspects are set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.

Mall of the North management could not be reached for comment at the time of publishing.