Intelligence driven operation leads to the arrest of seven suspects for possession of suspected stolen property in Lusaka Village, Tzaneen

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE – The members of Tzaneen tracing team and Tzaneen Detectives have apprehended seven suspects, aged between 32 and 47, for possession of suspected stolen property at Lusaka Village,  Nkowankowa in Mopani district on Friday, 21 February 2025.

The arrest follows a burglary business that occurred at Deerpark D3 Agricultural side in Tzaneen on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 at around 23:00. The suspects broke into the store room at Agriculture side Deerpark where the farmer kept his property.

The following properties were stolen at the site:

• Trailer
• Four wheel quad bike
• Batteries
• Vehicle rims with tyres and compressors, among others, things.

The matter was reported at Tzaneen SAPS. Detective Sergeant Justice Vuma, together with the tracing team Commander, Warrant Officer Pienaar, conducted an investigation. Members obtain the close circuit Television (CCTV) footage where the incident was captured. The members managed to identify a vehicle that was used during the commission of crime in Nkowankowa and arrested the suspect.  The Preliminary investigations led the team to his place of residence at Lusaka village where some of the stolen properties were recovered:

• One wave runner jetski
• Trailer
• Four wheel quad bike
• One battery
• Four Toyota mag wheel with tyres.
• One trailer tyre and rims
• One compressor, the property recovered is estimated up to R400 000.00.

The members while still busy with the suspect, a phone call was received from the outstanding suspects requesting transport from the arrested suspect. An operation was arranged to capture these suspects.

During the operation, six suspects were arrested at Bindzulani garage and charged with Burglary business. During the interview process. Members recovered eight Canadian solar panels to the value of R80 000.00. A Toyota Hilux bakkie used in the commission of the crime was also seized with an estimated value of R350 000.

All six foreign nationals and one South African suspect are expected to appear before Tzaneen Magistrate’s court on Monday, 24 February 2025 facing charges related to Possession of suspected stolen property and Burglary business.

Anyone with information that can assist with the arrest of more suspects should contact Detective investigating Officer Sergeant Justice Vuma on 082 319 9662, Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App.

Ends

Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng
082 585 4603

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