LIMPOPO – A swift and coordinated multi-agency operation has resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of two vehicles, a firearm and approximately 75 cellphones following a business robbery in Mokopane on Sunday, September 13.

The robbery occurred at a business premises on Thabo Mbeki Street at about 1:00 PM. It is alleged that five suspects, at least one of whom was armed, entered the premises and threatened employees before fleeing with approximately 75 cellphones, two speakers and R1 620 in cash.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated at more than R307k.

Vehicle traced towards Marble Hall

The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle with fake registration plates.

Following the robbery, information was immediately shared among law-enforcement agencies, security companies and vehicle-tracking partners.

The vehicle used during the robbery was identified and traced travelling in the direction of Marble Hall.

Ratel TJ Security and Marble Hall Saps were alerted and placed on standby. The vehicle was subsequently spotted and successfully intercepted, resulting in the arrest of two suspects on Sunday, September 13.

During the operation, police recovered a firearm with its serial number filed off.

Second vehicle intercepted

Further investigation led to the identification of a second vehicle, which was also linked to the robbery. The vehicle was successfully intercepted, resulting in the arrest of a third suspect.

A large quantity of cellphones, believed to have been stolen during the robbery, was recovered from the vehicle.

Cross-province cooperation

The successful operation involved role players from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

Suspects to appear in court

The trio, aged between 35 and 37, are expected to appear soon in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.

The investigation is continuing, and police are working to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects who are still at large.