LIMPOPO – Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe had commended community members from Khujwana village who apprehended two men shortly after they robbed a local store.

“What happened at Khujwana is a proper manifestation of the concept of community policing where community members never fold their arms and allow suspects to get away with acts of criminality right under their watch. I thank these community members for apprehending these criminals and handing them over to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands,” said Hadebe.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo the robbery incident happened on Sunday (December 26).

“It is alleged the victim, a 30-year-old shop owner was serving customers when three unknown men stormed into his shop and threatened him with a hammer.

“They robbed the victim of an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes, before they attempted to flee the scene on foot.”

Mojapelo explained that community members immediately chased after the trio. Two of the three men were cornered and apprehended while the third man managed to flee wit the robbed items.

The two suspects, aged 28 and 35 were handed over to the police. They will appear in the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court this week on charges of robbery.

“The hunt for the third suspect continues and the police called on anyone with information about the incident to contact the nearest police station, MySAPSApp or Crime Stop number on 086 001 0111.”

Hadebe also commended the local police for their swift response. “Together we can work together to clean our streets of criminal elements,” she concluded.