Polokwane, July 21, 2023 - The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the efforts of the Thohoyandou Crime Intelligence Unit and Vhembe District Trio Task Team for their recent breakthrough in apprehending three suspects allegedly involved in multiple robberies within the Thohoyandou policing precinct, according to SAPS.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 22, were arrested during an intelligence-driven joint operation at Itsani Ha-Mugumo and Manini Ha-Tshikovha villages in the early hours of Thursday, July 20, 2023. Their apprehension was in connection with a recent business robbery at the Sabina complex where they reportedly made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, airtime vouchers, cellphones, and cigarettes. During the robbery, one of the suspects was allegedly armed with a firearm, and the group employed two vehicles to facilitate their escape.
According to SAPS, the joint operation also resulted in the confiscation of the two vehicles used in the robberies, identified as a Toyota Yaris and Renault Triber. Subsequent investigations have linked the suspects to three other business robberies that occurred in Thohoyandou. In one of these incidents, which took place in June, the shop owner was shot and wounded.
Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the dedication of the police officers involved, stating, "This is a clear indication that our members are working around the clock to ensure the safety of the residents of this Province, including the business community. Our ongoing operations will ensure criminals feel the heat and are put behind bars where they belong."
The three suspects will face four counts of business robbery and are scheduled to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Friday, July 21, 2023, according to SAPS.
For further information, please contact:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
Phone: 082 451 7180
Email: linlin@saps.gov.za
