POLOKWANE – A 29-year-old male suspect was apprehended by the members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) on Tuesday 12 June 2022 at about 21h00 for allegedly being in possession of precious metals (Chrome) with an estimated street value of R100-000-00 in the Sekhukhune District. Police were patrolling along R37 road in Machakaneng village at Apel Policing area when they spotted a horse and trailer truck with a group of people next to it.
They proceeded to the truck to investigate and upon arrival everyone started to run away in different directions. The driver of the truck was stopped and he told the Police that it was loaded with precious metals. He failed to produce the legal documentation of transporting the chrome and was immediately arrested on the spot.
The suspect is amongst one thousand two hundred and thirty five (1235) apprehended during the joint operations conducted by various police units since 10 July until Monday 18 July 2022.
The suspects aged between 18 and 54 were arrested for offences that included illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal hunting, murder, rape, fraud, possession and dealing in drugs, common robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, Contravention of Immigration Act and possession of illicit cigarettes.
A total number of 11460 counterfeit cigarettes, 22 dangerous weapons, large quantity of dagga, that included Crystal Meth, Nyaope, and firearms, large quantity of liquor, 48 knives and 6-stolen or robbed vehicles were also seized and 1109 fines issued during these operations.
Members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) and Mokopane police were conducting patrol duties when they received an information about a motor vehicle that was lingering around the farms in Waterberg District under Mokopane policing area.
Police reacted swiftly and spotted the vehicle matching the description driving along R518 Zebediela road. The vehicle was stopped and searched and police found three males in possession of 06 greyhound hunting dogs, one carcass of a warthog, one hunting rifle, 01 magazine, 49 live ammunition, 01 spot light, 01 panga and a knife. The suspects aged between 26 and 39 failed to produce authentic documentations to hunt and possess a firearm.
They were immediately nabbed for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition including illegal hunting. The items were seized together with a Nissan Hardbody bakkie and the hunting dogs were taken to Mokopane (SPCA) for safe keeping.
Furthermore, an 18-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties from a retail store valued at R4000.00 in corner Dahl and Thabo Mbeki streets in Polokwane.
Police received a tip-off from members of the community on Wednesday 13 July 2022 about a suspect who allegedly committed a business robbery during April 2022 at Bloodriver, Mmotong village under Seshego policing area.
The 37-year-old male suspect was spotted in the vicinity and was approached by the police intending to arrest him but he started to run while shooting at the police who retaliated and was eventually nabbed with a gunshot wound. During the arrest, police confiscated an unlicensed firearm with 03 live ammunition.
Another major breakthrough was achieved on Monday 19 July 2022 after the arrest of three suspects including a woman responsible for committing a series of business robberies at foreign owned shops and hijackings while driving in a white Toyota Condor motor vehicle frequently utilized as a getaway vehicle in Mopani District.
The suspects were nabbed along R81 road at Giyani opposite Spar Shopping Centre by the Members of the Trio Crimes Unit, Mopani Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CIG) and LHP during a snap operation. Two firearms, nine (9) cellphones, Toyota car keys, pepper Spray, work suits and hand Gloves were found inside the suspect’s motor vehicle. They were charged for being found in possession of unlicensed firearms and suspected stolen properties.
The suspects have started appearing before their local Magistrate’s court across the province.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is encouraging the men and women in blue to continue ensuring that the province becomes crime free and safe for the citizens.
The operations are continuing.
