POLOKWANE – Police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the four suspects were spotted in a beige VW Polo Vivo during an intelligence led, joint operation on Monday, 16 October.
The vehicle sped off when the occupants saw the police and a chase ensued.
Read more: Cash-in-transit vehicle robbed at petrol station, cnr Marshall and Webster
“The suspects were surrounded at the at the corner of Devinish and Church Street, where they were apprehended. One, however, jumped out of the car and ran away,” he said.
The vehicle was thoroughly searched and among the recovered items were explosives, including two connector fuses, seven blasting cartridges and 6 cable ties.
You might also want to read: Manhunt for suspects in business robbery along N1
Other recovered items included:
– Three 9mm handguns.
– 59 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.
– One R4 rifle.
– 35 live rounds of R4 rifle ammunition.
– Three knives
– Four cellphones.
“We believe these suspects might be one of the groups that are terrorizing the community and businesses in areas around town, including shopping centres,” Ngoepe explained.
You might also want to read: Two ATMs blown up during armed robbery at Letsitele petrol station
He added that the suspects are still being profiled to check if they are connected to other crimes throughout the province and beyond.
The three arrested suspects, between the ages of 23 and 34-years-old, will appear before the Polokwane Magistrates Court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, explosives and dangerous weapons.
“The search for the suspect who escaped is continuing,” he concluded.
