LIMPOPO – Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed satisfaction after the arrest of two suspects and commended the investigating team for their resilience and meticulous work, which led to the confiscation of nine unlicensed firearms, ammunition and two high-powered vehicles.

The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the provincial investigation unit and the provincial tracking team in Thohoyandou. A 50-year-old male suspect and a female companion were apprehended during the operation.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the investigating team received crucial intelligence about a suspicious vehicle believed to be transporting illegal firearms in the Thohoyandou area.

“On April 15, officers spotted a vehicle matching the description travelling along the R524 road to Punda Maria. Upon noticing police presence, the driver attempted to flee, prompting a high-speed chase.”

The vehicle was intercepted and forced to a stop at Tshikhudini village. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered a 9mm pistol. The driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation and was arrested.

Further investigation led officers to the suspect’s residence, where a woman was present. A thorough search of the home uncovered eight additional firearms. The woman was also arrested.

“In total, nine unlicensed firearms and two high-powered vehicles were seized and will form part of the ongoing investigation,” said Ledwaba. Both suspects appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court last week, facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Hadebe reiterated the police’s commitment to rooting out crime and illegal firearms from communities, saying such operations are critical in ensuring the safety and security of Limpopo residents.