LIMPOPO – Three of a group of about five robbers, suspected to be involved in the robberies of two businesses at Khujwana and Lephephana villages in the Ritavi and Maake policing areas, were arrested yesterday, 3 September.

According to a statement by Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, five armed men, wearing balaclavas, had stormed into a supermarket at Khujwana village. “They threatened the customers and robbed the shop owner of cigarettes, cash and cellphones. The same men also robbed a supermarket at Lephephane village of cigarettes, airtime vouchers and cash. They fled in a white hatchback and the Maake SAPS crime prevention members were alerted,” said Ngoepe.

He explained that their vehicle was spotted near Tlhabine village. “Police tried to pull over the vehicle but it sped off. The members, backed up by the Saps Mopani District Tracking Team, chased the vehicle. The men started shooting at these teams who retaliated and they ultimately abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot.”

A police vehicle was damaged in the shootout but no injuries were recorded, confirmed Ngoepe.

“During the incident, the police confiscated a vehicle, along with cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money, believed to be some of the properties robbed during the two incidents.”

He said one of the men was arrested shortly after the chase and the two other men, after police cornered their vehicle, later the day.

“During the second arrest the police recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.”

The men, aged between 35 and 40, are expected to appear before the Lenyenye and Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen properties and two counts of business robbery,” added Ngoepe.

He said a manhunt for the other suspects continues and urged anyone with information that can lead to their arrest, to contact Lt Col Theo Mantz at 079 875 7951, the crime stop number at 086 001 0111 or the nearest police station.