Local NewsSensitive Content

7 arrested after Polokwane ice cream factory robbery

The Limpopo police arrested seven suspects linked to a Polokwane factory robbery within an hour of the crime, recovering stolen goods and firearms in the process.

November 4, 2025

Press Release 1 minute read

Seven suspects arrested within an hour after a Polokwane Ice Cream Factory robbery. Police recovered guns, stolen goods, and a getaway car. Photos: Limpopo police

POLOKWANE – The Limpopo police have arrested seven suspects linked to a business robbery at an ice cream factory in the Polokwane CBD on Monday morning (November 3).

The intelligence-driven operation was launched within an hour of the robbery and resulted in the recovery of four firearms with live ammunition, stolen goods, and a white Audi S3 believed to have been used during the crime.

According to the police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, a group of armed men stormed the factory, threatening employees and making off with cash, cellphones and other items before fleeing the scene.

A white Audi hatchback is parked on a dirt/concrete driveway with its bonnet and driver-side rear door open, and a black military-style boot on a person's foot is visible in the background doorway of a dark building. The car has a space-saver spare tire on the rear left wheel. — The getaway vehicle used during the commission of the crime. Photo: Limpopo police.

“Acting swiftly on a tip-off, a multidisciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Tracking Team, the Provincial Investigation Unit, Capricorn District Detectives and others, tracked the suspects to a safe house in the Zorra Section of Solomondale, near Mankweng,” his statement read.

Upon arrival, police found the suspects consuming alcohol.

“One suspect allegedly opened fire on officers and fled, while six men aged between 28 and 52, all from Mamelodi in Gauteng, and a 34-year-old female homeowner were arrested on the scene,” Ledwaba said.

A close-up of the dirty floor of a car, showing a disassembled firearm (or non-lethal weapon) partially covered by a black cloth, a walkie-talkie radio, and two blue and light gray bags. — Police recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen goods and a white Audi S3 used in the Polokwane Ice Cream Factory robbery. Photo: Limpopo police.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that the Audi S3 was used during the robbery and the stolen goods and weapons were seized.

The suspects face charges of business robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and possession of stolen property.

They are expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (November 5).

A close-up vertical photograph shows five people lying face down, stacked on top of each other, on a concrete driveway, surrounded by police and onlookers near a white Audi car with open doors. — The suspects were arrested at a safe house in Solomondale, near Mankweng. Photo: Limpopo police

Police said further investigations are underway to determine whether the group is linked to other business robberies committed across Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, praised the joint effort and efficiency of the teams involved.

“The swift tracking and arrest of these suspects demonstrates the SAPS’ unwavering commitment to dismantling organised criminal groups. Limpopo will never be a playground for criminals. Together with our communities, we will protect it with the jealousy it deserves,” said Scheepers.