LIMPOPO – The weekly intelligence-driven joint operations, which are conducted across the province, continue to yield positive results.

In the latest operations, conducted from Monday, May 31 to Sunday, June 6, 1 160 suspects between the ages of 18 and 44, were arrested.

In a statement, police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo indicated that the suspects were arrested for various charges including rape, murder, drug dealing, possession of suspected stolen properties and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Mojapelo said 16 unlicensed firearms, 55 dangerous weapons, 612 382ml of liquor, 18 241 sticks of illicit cigarettes, as well as nyaope and dagga were recovered.

Some of the arrests: 

Fake kidnapping and drugs

A 42-year-old foreign national was arrested by the Highway Patrol Team in Burgersfort on Thursday, June 3.

“The man was allegedly dealing in drugs, together with a man from Modimolle, who was initially reported to have been kidnapped in Polokwane. The man, who reported he was kidnapped, was subsequently arrested after preliminary investigations revealed that he actually faked it. Investigations are continuing to determine his possible involvement with the alleged drug dealer,” Mojapelo explained.

He said 348 sachets of nyaope and 40 sachets of rock, with an estimated value of R15 700, were seized. “A cash amount of R26 500, a blue Volkswagen Polo and a silver Toyota Corolla, which belong to the suspect, were also confiscated.”

Road rage incident

A 30-year-old motorist was arrested for murder after he allegedly shot and killed a passenger inside a bus following an alleged road rage incident. The alleged incident, between a bus driver and the suspect occurred along the R81 in the Giyani policing area on Thursday, June 3.

“The deceased has been identified as John Kwahani Mhlongo from Mageva village. The suspect will appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court today (June 7).

Unlicensed firearm and ammunition

Two men, aged 28 and 40, were arrested in Lebowakgomo for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“The police were patrolling the area and stopped and searched a blue Hyundai Accent with two occupants. An unlicensed firearm and ammunition were found and the duo were immediately arrested and the vehicle seized,” he added.

Attempted murder

Police arrested a 37-year-old man in Maake for attempted murder, the possession of an unlicensed firearm and theft.

“The man was arrested after he allegedly fired shots at his girlfriend’s husband, who apparently found them together at his house in Gavaza village during the early hours of June 6. During the altercation, the suspect was injured and is currently in hospital under police guard. Preliminary police investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen at an accident crime scene in the area, the previous week. The suspect will appear in court soon,” Mojapelo said.

Some of these arrested suspects have started appearing in various magistrate’s courts across the province.

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has commended all members involved in these arrests and confiscations, saying these continuous operations will ensure that the province becomes a safe place for all its citizens and visitors.