Armed robbers arrested on N1 bypass, Limpopo

Limpopo police officials have yielded various successes across the province since last week Thursday (October 14).

They have, among others, arrested eight suspects on various offences including armed robbery, the possession of unlicensed firearms as well as kidnapping. The arrests were made in Mokopane, Motetema, Lebowakgomo, Musina and Thohoyandou respectively.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo highlighted these successes:

Mokopane 

On Friday (October 15), the police were notified about a white Volkswagen Golf 6 whose occupants had allegedly committed a robbery in Mokopane.

“Members followed the leads and a vehicle that matched the description was spotted along the R101. They sped off into the direction of Polokwane when they noticed the police and a short distance car chase ensued. The suspects then stopped next to the N1 bypass outside Polokwane,” Mojapelo explained.

He said the vehicle was searched and that two unlicensed firearms and cash were recovered. “Further investigations revealed that the vehicle was tampered with and the registration number plates fitted on the vehicle belonged to the SAPS Limpopo Tracking Team. The vehicle was reported stolen at Olivenhoutbosh in April and the three suspects were immediately arrested,” he added.

Motetema

A man was arrested on Thursday (October 14) following an alleged kidnapping in Motetema. “The police followed-up on the information received and the victim was located at Ephephia Lodge. The suspect had already left but police managed to recover his firearm and car keys. He was later arrested while trying to steal from the victim’s vehicle that was parked at the police station.”

Lebowakgomo

Two men were arrested on Saturday (October 16) after they were found in possession of drugs. “They were arrested at the Lebowakgomo taxi rank. A warrant of arrest for theft, resisting arrest and interfering with police duties were also issued.

Musina

The Limpopo Highway Patrol Team and Tracking Team Members on Saturday (October 16) recovered stolen items at a house in Musina. “Police recovered 11 tower batteries that were linked to a theft case at Sekgosese policing area. Other items such as a plasma TV, three packs of cigarettes, two car keys and car parts were recovered,” Mojapelo said.

He added that one of the men was also apprehended in connection with an attempted murder incident that occurred in November 2018 in the Thohoyandou policing area.

“The provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for their dedication and appreciated their efforts for continuing to keep the province safe from criminal activities. All the arrested suspects will soon appear before local magistrate’s courts,” Mojapelo concluded.