POLOKWANE – Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says more arrests are expected following the robbery of a courier van along the R37, near Malomane village in the Apel policing area on Tuesday.

In a statement, Ngoepe explains that a group of armed robbers hijacked the vehicle, which was on its way to deliver cargo of cellphones and electronic gadgets to various businesses in and around Apel.

“The police were notified and a manhunt ensued until the duo were arrested at a house in Greenside, in the Westenburg policing area,” he adds.

Ngoepe says the identified house was searched and a man was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was arrested.

“The second suspect was found hiding in the ceiling and two firearms and ammunition were found in his possession. During a search, a large number of cellphones and several other electronic gadgets with an estimated value of over R300 000 were recovered,” he says.

The Volkswagen Polo, believed to be the car used during the hijacking incident, was also confiscated.

The two men, aged 34 and 35, will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 4 March.

“They will face charges of possession of suspected stolen properties and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will later appear in the Apel Magistrate’s Court on a charge of car hijacking,” adds Ngoepe.

He urged anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects, to contact Lt Col Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501.

“Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, your nearest police station or use the MySAPS App,” he concludes.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba commended the swift reaction by the team on a job well done.