POLOKWANE - As part of the continuous intelligence driven joint operations that are being conducted weekly across the Province, the police have arrested a total of 1160 suspects aged between 18 and 44. The suspects were arrested during the operations that were conducted from Monday 31 May until this morning on Sunday 06 June 2021 and are facing various charges such as rape, murder, drug dealing, possession of suspected stolen properties and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Some of the arrests include the following:
• The arrest of a 42-year-old foreign National on Thursday 03 June 2021 by members of the Highway Patrol Team in Burgersfort for allegedly dealing in drugs, together with a man from Modimolle who was initially reported to have been kidnapped in Polokwane, allegedly by the same foreign national.348 × sachets of Nyaope and 40 × sachets of rock, all with an estimated value of R15700.00 were seized. Cash amount of R26500, blue VW Polo and silver Toyota Corolla belonging to the suspect were also confiscated. The man who reported he was kidnapped, was himself subsequently arrested after preliminary investigations revealed that he actually faked it. Investigations are continuing to determine his possible involvement with the alleged drug dealer
• The arrest of a 30 year old motorist for murder after he allegedly shot and killed a passenger inside the bus following an alleged road rage between the bus driver and the suspect along the R81 road in Giyani policing area on Thursday 03 May 2021. The deceased has been identified as John Kwahani Mhlongo from Mageva village. The suspect will appear in Giyani magistrate's court on Monday 07 June 2021.
• The arrest of two suspects aged 28 and 40 in Lebowakgomo for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The police were patrolling around the area and they stopped and searched a blue Hyundai Accent with two occupants. An unlicensed firearm and ammunition were found and the duo was immediately arrested and the vehicle was also seized.
The arrest of a 37-year-old suspect in Maake for attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and theft. The suspect was arrested after he allegedly fired shots at his girlfriend's husband who apparently found them together at his house in Gavaza village during the early hours of today, 06 June 2021.During the altercation, the suspect was injured and he is currently in hospital under police guard. Preliminary police investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen at an accident crime scene in this area, the previous week. The suspect will appear in court soon.
During these operations, 16 unlicensed firearms were recovered and 55 dangerous weapons including knives *612 382ml liquor, 18 241 sticks of illicit cigarettes, 01 gram of nyaope drugs, 603 grams of dagga.
The workforce involved in these operations included members derived from the Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Policing, K9, Crime Prevention, the Limpopo Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officers. The operations were executed through roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects and stop and searches.
Some of these arrested suspects have started appearing before various Magistrates' Courts across the province.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended all members involved in these arrests and confiscations, saying these continuous operations will ensure that the Province of Limpopo becomes a safe place for all its citizens and visitors.