Limpopo’s most-wanted robber and ATM bomber finally nailed

Police in Limpopo have finally arrested one of the province’s most-wanted suspects in connection with a series of ATM bombings and robbery cases.

The 31-year-old man was arrested in the Giyani CBD at around 5pm on Saturday.

According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, his arrest followed intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Mopani District Tracking Team in collaboration with Giyani Public Order Police (POPS) members.

The suspect faces multiple charges in connection with at least four incidents.

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These include a robbery with aggravated circumstances and malicious damage to property (ATM bombing) in the Mashabane policing precinct in May 2023, and another robbery with aggravated circumstances and malicious damage to property (ATM bombing) in the Seshego policing area in March 2023.

“The arrest operation was executed following actionable intelligence information and thorough monitoring of the suspect’s movements. The multi-disciplinary team successfully located and apprehended the suspect in Giyani CBD,” said Mashaba.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to Giyani SAPS, where he was formally processed and detained. The case has been transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for further investigation.

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“This arrest represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing fight against organised crime, particularly the scourge of ATM bombings that have terrorised our communities and cost our economy millions of rand,” said Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

“The successful apprehension of this most wanted suspect demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our specialised units.”

Limpopo crime stats

Hadebe and Violet Mathye, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, are expected to discuss Limpopo’s crime statistics following Friday’s presentation of the national statistics.

According to the crime stats, two of Limpopo’s police stations were among the country’s top 30 stations that reported serious crimes.

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These are the Thohoyandou and Polokwane police stations.

Between January 2025 and March 2025, the province also recorded five multiple murder incidents, in which two victims were lost in each of them.

On Wednesday, the MEC and Provincial Commissioner are expected to highlight strides made in dealing with serious and violent crimes.

The commissioner will also use the opportunity to provide a comprehensive overview of the police’s work towards creating safer communities in the province.

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