Illegal firearms and ammunition recovered during Limpopo SAPS’ joint operations
GA-MASEMOLA – Fifteen illegal firearms and ammunition were recovered at different locations around Limpopo province during joint operations police conducted throughout the province since last week until Monday, 05 October 2020.
According to police, the firearms will be subjected to ballistic investigations to determine if they were previously involved in the commission of serious violent crimes.
The joint operations also led to the arrest of 1578 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years-old for various crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit business robbery, cash in transit (CIT) heist, possession of illicit cigarettes to possession of drugs among other crimes.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said during some of those arrests, members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol Unit arrested three suspects at Ga-Masemola on Wednesday, 30 September 2020 at about 18:00 for possession of nyaope drugs.
Mojapelo said all three suspects aged between 38 and 47 years-old were found to be out on bail after they were previously arrested for armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms.
He said a further charge of bribery was added after one of the suspects took out R1000 and tried to bribe the members.
The operations comprised members from various South African Police Service (SAPS) units including Limpopo Highway Patrol, crime intelligence, Tactical Response Unit (TRT), tracking teams and crime prevention members.
Mojapelo further said that during the operations, police also confiscated 4573 illicit cigarettes, 24 dangerous weapons, 1443 grams of dagga, 36 grams of nyaope drugs, 42 knives and 302ml bottles of liquor and 1265 fines were issued.
Lieutenant General Nnke Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the various teams for their concerted efforts in fighting crime across the province.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before different magistrate courts across the province soon.
