Suspect killed by mob and the other arrested during Stokvel robbery.
MADIBONG
A man was stoned to death and another suspect nabbed by the SAPS after they allegedly robbed members of a Stokvel at Madibong . The members were robbed a total of R55 000 on Friday.
The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the prompt reaction by Police Teams involved in the speedy arrest of one of the suspects responsible for the alleged robbery of Stokvel money in Madibong outside Jane Furse at about 23h30.
Members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) in Sekhukhune were performing normal patrol duties when they received a backup call from the Police in Jane Furse about a robbery.
“They immediately went to the scene and upon arrival, they established that about 10 suspects armed with pistols allegedly robbed Stokvel ladies an amount of cash estimated to be around R55 000. One of the suspects was allegedly caught by members of the community and was stoned to death,” revealed Limpopo SAPS spokesman Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo.
It was further revealed that the community members continued to chase another suspect who then entered Jane Furse hospital and held security personnel hostage at gunpoint.
Members of Highway Patrol together with Operational Respond Services (ORS) joined forces to rescue the security guard and the 26-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot.
According to the SAPS, other suspects fled the scene using a bakkie, which was later found abandoned at Mamone Village. The hunt for the remaining suspects continues.
“The speedy reaction by the members that led to the arrest of the suspect is highly commendable. The remaining suspects must be hunted down and be brought to book,” said Hadebe.
“We however strongly warn community members to desist from taking the law into their own hands and must instead work with the police to fight crime,” added Hadebe.
Stokvel members were urged to refrain from withdrawing and handling large amounts of cash for purposes of dividing it amongst themselves but must, wherever possible, resort to bank transactions.
Cases of murder, armed robbery and possession of illegal firearm and ammunition are being investigated by SAPS.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court soon. He is facing charges of armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects involved in both incidents should contact Detective Warrant Officer Enoch Mashilo on 0823199526 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
