LIMPOPO – A post office robbery was prevented yesterday, 3 June at Atok in the Apel policing area thanks to the work of the members of the Crime Intelligence and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) Unit.

The post office is used as a social grant pay point and Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement that members received information about a possible robbery and then conducted a snap operation with the help of a police helicopter.

“A Ford Ranger with three occupants was spotted along the D4180 road between Atok and Ga-Selepe. Soon after the vehicle was stopped, the driver pointed a firearm at the members. The suspect was shot and the firearm taken,” the statement reads.

Mojapelo said the man was taken to hospital where he was admitted under police guard.

“Another vehicle, a Toyota Quantum with five occupants, was spotted along the D4190 road in the Atok area and the driver was also ordered to stop. Police found a firearm hidden when they searched the vehicle and all five suspects were apprehended,” Mojapelo added.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 40, will appear before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 5 June, facing a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Meanwhile, the police in Seshego have launched a manhunt for the unknown suspects who stormed into the post office in Seshego zone 4 this morning. The suspects robbed an undisclosed amount, said Mojapelo.

https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/429264/limpopo-cops-on-lookout-for-3-post-office-robbers/

“It is alleged that four suspects, armed with firearms, entered the post office where social grants were being paid out and demanded money from the tellers. The suspects managed to overpower the security official on duty and wrestled away his service pistol. They then fled from the scene after taking the money,” the statement added.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Maj Gen Jan Scheepers says it has become clear that post offices are targets for armed robberies. Scheepers added that police will intensify operations around the affected areas.

“I urge all relevant stakeholders to closely work with us to stop these criminals in their tracks,” concluded Scheepers.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Col Mohale at 071 497 2329 or the Crime Stop number at 086 001 0111.