The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has applauded the swift and decisive action taken by operational forces in apprehending notorious suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery, carjacking and attempted murder, committed on Wednesday 10 April 2024, in Nebo policing area outside Sekhukhune in which a vehicle transporting wild meat from a well-known butchery based in Groblersdal was ambushed.
This commendable effort also resulted in the successful recovery of firearms believed to have been used in the commission of these crimes.
The three suspects, aged between 27 and 32, were apprehended following a coordinated operation conducted by the operational team comprising of the Provincial Tracking team, Murder and Robbery Unit as well as Detectives from Nebo and neighbouring stations in collaboration with private security company. The operation, which was executed with precision and professionalism, led to the recovery of two pistols, one Ak47, undisclosed number of live ammunition, as well as some of the robbed money and meat.
According to preliminary information, the victims were traveling along Mogaladi-Phokwane road in an Isuzu bakkie when a group of suspects, driving a Dodge, suddenly blocked their way. The suspects apparently after noticing there was an escort vehicle, they opened fire which resulted in a shoot-out between them and the security officers. Some of the suspects managed to get inside the delivery bakkie and drove off with the victims to the bushes where they robbed the victims’ of an undisclosed amount of money, cellphones, and some of the meat.
Police swiftly responded upon receiving the report, and with the assistance from the tracking company, they were able to locate the victims in the bushes where they were found unharmed. Police also recovered the delivery bakkie, as well as some of the meat that was found scattered.
The Provincial Tracking team, together with the Murder and Robbery Unit, were activated, and three of the suspects were swiftly traced and arrested about 19:00 at Apel Cross while driving in a Toyota Quantum.
“Our resolve to combat crime remains steadfast, and we will spare no effort in ensuring that our communities are free from the menace of armed robbery and violence.” Said the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The three suspects will soon appear at the Nebo Magistrate’s Court.
More arrests are expected. Anyone with information about the remaining suspects should contact the Investigating officer Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 729 2233 or Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, or nearest police station or through the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or use MySAPS App.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner commends arrest of notorious armed robbery suspects and recovery of firearms https://t.co/zDAVYCFLbw#ArriveAlive #ArmedRobbery #Firearms @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/vHy5iHulJN
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 12, 2024