Suspects nabbed and firearms recovered in separate incidents
MAJAKANENG/MONSTERLUS – The multidisciplinary Vala Umgodi Task Team in Sekhukhune apprehended two male suspects and recovered two unlicensed firearms as well as a suspected stolen vehicle in separate incidents on Sunday, 15 December.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said the operation, conducted jointly with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), began at Majakaneng Village within the Motetema policing area, where a 26 year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Ledwaba stated that the task team spotted a suspicious black BMW sedan and tactically stopped it. Ledwaba indicated that upon searching the vehicle, the officers discovered a 9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with14 live rounds of ammunition, and four cartridges. “The suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The operation continued within the Hlogotlou policing precinct, where a 30 year-old male suspect was apprehended at an illegal mining site in Motsephiri. He was found with a truck fully loaded with sand. The suspect paid an admission of guilty fine of R2000,” explained Ledwaba.
He further said while in the vicinity, the officers acted on information about a blue Ford Ranger, which had been stolen during a house robbery in Vaalbank policing area, Gauteng, earlier in December.
“With the assistance of a tracking company, the vehicle was traced to a house in Monsterlus. A 52 year-old male suspect was arrested in connection with the theft. The suspect was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. During the arrest, another 54 year-old male suspect was apprehended for interfering with police duties,” highlighted Ledwaba.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Vala Umgodi Task Team, highlighting their continued dedication and effectiveness in the fight against crime.
The arrested suspects were expected to appear before the Groblersdal and Nebo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 17 December. The paper had not received the outcome of the appearances at the rime of going to print.
