LIMPOPO – Police in Thohoyandou have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with an armed robbery, while a manhunt is underway for a second suspect who managed to evade arrest in Khubvi village.

Victim robbed at gunpoint

The incident occurred on Thursday (November 27), at around 17:10. Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, says the victim was walking home from his tuckshop when two armed men approached him. The suspects held him at gunpoint and demanded money before robbing him of an undisclosed amount. They then fled the scene on foot.

The victim called for help, prompting community members to respond immediately and chase after the fleeing suspects. During the pursuit, one suspect was caught and assaulted by the community.

Police respond

“Police were alerted to both the armed robbery and the mob attack. Upon arrival, officers found the injured robbery suspect, who was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment under police guard,” says Ledwaba.

A case of armed robbery has been opened against the suspects, while a separate case of assault GBH has been registered against community members involved in the attack.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Provincial Commissioner warns against mob justice

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has urged community members not to take the law into their own hands.

“Anyone who took part in the assault will have to face the full might of the law. No one is allowed to act in conflict with the laws of the country by taking the law into their own hands.”