SAPS act swiftly in arresting Giyani robbery suspects
A total of eight suspects have been arrested in connection with a robbery that led to the murder of a police constable in the early hours of this morning, 7 March.
POLOKWANE – Police received information that five of the suspects, who earlier fled on foot, boarded a taxi to Polokwane.
Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the necessary police units, including members of crime intelligence, were alerted and the suspects were caught at the Solomondale/Polokwane intersection after the police stopped the taxi, matching the same description.
Photo: Lim SAPS
He says two suspects were arrested earlier with the help of the community in Giyani and another suspect was nabbed immediately after the shootout.
“These arrests follow the death of Constable Thulani Vincent Rali Mhangwani (38), who was shot and killed during an exchange of fire between the suspects and the police. Mhangwani was a member of the Giyani crime prevention unit,” said Mojapelo.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Nneke Ledwaba has commended the swiftness at which the police reacted in apprehending the suspects.
“All the arrested suspects, aged between 26 and 30, will appear in the Giyani Magistrates Court soon on charges of murder, robbery and possession of illegal firearms,” he concluded.
