TWO SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY PLANNING TO COMMIT ROBBERY ON R523 IN MPHEPHU NABBED; POLICE RECOVER UNLICENSED FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
POLOKWANE- Mphephu Police in Vhembe District have apprehended two suspects aged 30 and 31 who were allegedly planning to commit robbery on the R523 near Maname Paradise on Monday 3 June 2024 at about 08:00. Two unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered.
The arrest took place after members of the Task team received a tip-off regarding suspicious activities on the hitchhiking spot along R523. Acting on the intelligence received, a tactical operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the two suspects.The suspects were pretending to be hitchhiking with other individuals. One suspect was found in possession of car keys. It was then established that their vehicle ( red VW Polo) was parked on the other side of the road.
Upon searching the vehicle, police recovered the following items; two unlicensed firearms, two magazines loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition, one firearm hoister, blue light, cellphones, balaclavas, gloves and clothes.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were planning to carry out robberies in the area. The vehicle was circulated, and it belonged to a foreign national woman.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the officers for the swift action which has not only prevented a potential crime but also ensured that illegal firearms are removed from the streets, enhancing the safety of the community.
The suspects will appear before Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 5 June to face charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to commit an offence.
