| 2025/04/05 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – The police in Limpopo have arrested two men following a staged hijacking and armed robbery incident involving a bakery vehicle. The incident occurred on 31 March 2025 at approximately 14:30 in Ga-Matipane village, Senakwe area under the Mokwakwaila precinct in Mopani District. According to the initial report registered with the police, the bakery driver and his crew claimed they were delivering bread to local shops when they were approached by three armed suspects on foot. The suspects allegedly forced them to drive to nearby bushes, where they were robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash after the suspects allegedly forced open a safe. Two cellphones were also reportedly stolen from the victims before the suspects fled the scene on foot. Cases of robbery with a firearm and hijacking were promptly opened, and investigations were launched by the Mopani District Tracking Team and Mokwakwaila Detectives. However, after an extensive investigation, it was revealed that the incident had been orchestrated by the driver and his crew, in collaboration with three other accomplices. On 04 April 2025, at around 10:00, police recovered the “robbed” cellphones at the suspects’ homestead in the Bolobedu policing area. The items were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The suspects, aged 32 and 37, were subsequently arrested and will appear before the respective Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 07 April 2025 facing charges of perjury, robbery with a firearm and carjacking. Police are continuing with efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining three suspects involved in the staged robbery. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident and issued a stern warning “This deceitful act not only diverted critical police resources from genuine cases, but it also undermines the fight against crime in our communities. We will not tolerate such criminal behaviour and those who manipulate the justice system for personal gain will face the full might of the law.” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Members of the public are urged to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects. Information can be reported anonymously via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or by using the MySAPSApp. Ends
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