Men that preyed on off-campus students remanded in custody
The trio have been positively linked to over 40 serious and violent crimes committed in the Vhembe district, says the police.
LIMPOPO – Three known criminals, who were arrested in connection with crimes against off campus students from the University of Venda (Univen) and Vhembe TVET college, appeared in court last week.
The trio, aged 21, 22 and 33, have been linked to more than 40 serious and violent crimes and were denied bail by the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court and their case was postponed for further investigation.
The men were arrested on Wednesday, 10 February, during an intelligence-driven operation that comprised members of the Vhembe District Task Team, Thohoyandou Crime Intelligence Unit, Thohoyandou Tactical Response Team (TRT), Vhembe First Responders and Vhembe District Detectives.
Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe said the police received a tip-off from the community about suspects who were involved in a recent armed robbery in Thohoyandou. The members were activated and the men were traced to their home villages of Phiphidi and Vondo villages and were arrested.
“These men are believed to be part of a syndicate that mostly targets off campus students from the University of Venda (Univen) and Vhembe TVET college. “They may still be linked to more similar cases as profiling is still underway.
The men face charges related to rape, armed robbery, burglary, business and house robbery and will reappear on 24 February for formal bail application.
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