SAPS continue to combat crime in Limpopo

BURGERSFORT

The collaborative efforts of SAPS in Limpopo continue to clean the streets of criminal activities. The SAPS arrested 1319 suspects aged between 18 and 46 during weekly simultaneous joint operations that were conducted from March 20 until March 28.
The suspects were arrested for various offences including murder, robberies, carjackings, theft, rape and sexual offences, unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in drugs and illicit cigarettes, stock theft and fraud.
In one of the operations, members of the Highway Patrol Unit on March 27 at about 09:00, received information about the existence of a Ford Ranger which was reported hijacked under Tubatse policing area and was at Ga-Phasha village in the Burgersfort policing area.
“A snap operation involving Polokwane TRT, Modimolle POPs, Burgesfort K9 Unit and Highway Patrol was then activated. Further police investigations revealed that the owner of a local tavern aged 36, had an agreement with the lawful owner of the said vehicle who owes him money, that he would keep the vehicle until he had paid him the outstanding balance. A case of perjury was opened and the 46-year-old suspect was arrested, ” said Limpopo SAPS spokesman Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo.
Mojapelo added, “during the same operations, the members also received another information about a hijacked Toyota Quantum in Mecklenburg and that the suspect was driving towards Lebowakgomo.
“The vehicle was seen at a filling station in Atok. Police gave chase after the vehicle sped off. An unknown number of suspects jumbed out of the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The vehicle was confiscated and the search for the suspects continues.”
Enforcement on compliance with the Liquor Act was also enhanced which resulted in 305 fines being issued and 41 shebeens shut down. Police also confiscated liquor.
During the course of these operations, Police also seized nine firearms, 39 knives, 5 stolen vehicles, dagga, 18 dagga plants, 2228 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes, and Nyaope drugs.
The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo Maj Gen Jan Scheepers has commended the various SAPS units for their determination to deal with crime head-on and has called upon community members to report any crime or suspicious activity to the police immediately.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before various courts in Limpopo during the course of the week. The operations are continuing.