As Safer Festive Season operations gain momentum across Limpopo province, police confiscated two more firearms, 175 litres of diesel, arrested three suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and arrested one suspect for possession of suspected stolen property and theft.
The three suspects aged 30 and 40 were arrested separately at Villa Nora and Tuinplaas in Waterberg district on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.
In Villa Nora, police received a tip-off about suspects planning to commit business robbery around the area. A tactical intelligence-led operation was quickly activated by members of Lephalale Crime Intelligence, Lephalale Vispol, Lephalale Public Order Policing, and Villa Nora Detectives. Two suspects, aged 30 and 40 respectively, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police confiscated two firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition, at Shongoane 01 village.
Meanwhile, in Tuinplaas, police recovered suspected stolen 175 litres (7×25 litres) of diesel at a value of R4 450.00, motor vehicle Etios and arrested a 32-year-old suspect on 21 November 2023 at around 21:20.
According to information, members were conducting their routine patrols when they spotted a suspicious white Toyota Etios. They stopped the vehicle, but the driver resisted and sped off. Members called for backup, and Modimolle Flying Squad responded. The vehicle was chased, shots were fired, and it stopped at Modimolle Joe Slovo Street. The driver fled, and his passenger was arrested.
On Wednesday, 22 November 2023, the manager of a poultry kitchen firm reported a case of theft of diesel, and it was also revealed that the arrested suspect is one of the employees.
The police opened a case of theft and possession of suspected stolen property. The manhunt for the remaining suspect is underway.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests and praised the concerted efforts displayed by the members to ensure that the province is safe and secured.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect should contact Detective Warrant Officer Mmasakeng Matsimbi at 082 414 2051, Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or MySAPS App.
The suspects will soon appear before the Lephalale and Modimolle Magistrate’s Court respectively.
Investigations are still continuing.
Limpopo police remove more firearms from the streets through tip-off and recovered 175 litres of suspected stolen diesel https://t.co/GFICERfxbA#ArriveAlive #StolenDiesel #Firearms @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/psqdN8Jyim
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 22, 2023