The determination of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Province to stamp out criminality, especially violent crimes, led to the arrest of four suspects including a police Constable during a foiled business robbery in Motetema policing area outside Groblersdal this afternoon, Friday 23 July 2021 at about 15h00. The fifth suspect was fatally wounded during the shootout.
The Police received information about the suspects travelling in two motor vehicles who were intending to rob one of the businesses in the Leewfontein area. A snap operation comprising of the Limpopo Tracking Team, Limpopo Provincial Investigating Unit, Pretoria Airwing and Motetema Detectives was activated to track down the suspects.
The armed suspects had already entered the business premises when the operatives arrived. When noticing the police, the suspects reportedly got into two vehicles and sped off into different directions. A high speed car chase ensued and the occupants of one of the vehicles that took the direction of Mapyane allegedly started shooting at police members who returned fire.
The said vehicle came to a stop and two injured suspects were immediately arrested. One of them was identified as a police Constable stationed at Mahwelereng Police Station. The third suspect was found fatally wounded. One firearm was allegedly found in the vehicle. The other vehicle, a Ford Ranger, was cornered near Groblersdal and two suspects were arrested. The Police searched the vehicle and found a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest of these suspects and has thanked community members for continuously assisting the police in the fight against crime. “The arrest of one of our members should send a strong message that the South African Police Service does not have a place for criminals masquerading as police members”, said Lieutenant General Hadebe. She concluded by hailing the recovery of firearms at the hands of these dangerous suspects.
The suspects aged between 34 and 36 are expected to appear before the Motetema Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of business robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving.
Police investigations are continuing.
