LIMPOPO – The suspects were arrested on Sunday, 30 July, the day after the armed robbery took place.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the four men entered the bar, threatened and robbed the owners of cash, two pistols and pump-action rifle.
The nearby community managed to grab one of the suspects at the back of the bar and burnt him beyond recognition.
The suspect was later identified and was from Ga Mashabela in Masemola.
Soon after the police were alerted to the robbery, a crime intelligence led operation, comprising members from the National Intervention Unit followed up information which resulted in the arrest on Sunday morning.
The three suspects were arrested in Soshanguve, Gauteng.
“Two of the arrested suspects are from Mamelodi and one is from Soshanguve and are aged 32, 34, and 36-years-old, respectively,” says Mojapelo.
The following items were seized during the arrest:
- One Taurus firearm, with eight live rounds of ammunition. The serial number had been filed off.
- Two Norinco firearms with two magazines and 31 live rounds of ammunition. The serial numbers were also filed off.
- One VW polo, reported stolen from Ekangala in Mounalanga this month.
- An amount of cash R14 000, stolen from the scene in Apel.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended the team for the swift action in sending a clear message that the police will, at all times, be relentless when dealing with criminals.
“The message that we are sending is that our members are at a ready position to pounce on anyone committing Trio crimes and any other crime in the province. I, however, have to warn community members to desist from taking the law into their own hands as this is also a criminal conduct,” Ledwaba said.
The arrested suspects will appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court soon on charges of armed robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle as well as possession of illegal arms and ammunition.
“Police investigations are continuing regarding the stolen firearms,” Mojapelo concluded.
