LIMPOPO – Three taxi operators have been arrested for pointing a firearm at, threatening and unlawfully confronting police officers during an anti-smuggling operation.

The incident occurred on Thursday (January 8) along the N1 near the Sasol garage in Musina.

Members of the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team were travelling in an unmarked vehicle when they were intercepted by a white Toyota Corolla fitted with strobe lights and taxi patrol stickers.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the three occupants mistakenly believed the officers were transporting hitchhikers without their “permission”.

They pointed a firearm at the officers, threatened them with a sjambok and attempted to exercise unlawful policing powers.

The police identified themselves and tactically apprehended the suspects as they tried to flee.

The suspects, aged between 32 and 49, were arrested for pointing a firearm, crimen injuria, intimidation, reckless driving and the unlawful use of white strobe lights.

During the arrest, police seized a 9mm pistol with ammunition, the sjambok, strobe light and a notebook containing vehicle registrations and recorded amounts of money, indicating possible organised extortion.

The vehicle was also confiscated.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident, stating that “mistakenly confronting police officers with firearms underscores how dangerous and unlawful these actions are.”

He warned that no individual or group has the authority to enforce the law.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday (January 9). Investigations are ongoing.