Two suspects arrested for possession of endangered species

Two suspects arrested for possession of endangered species

Two suspects aged 32 and 43 were arrested for possession of of endangered species worth R1 million at the Beitbridge bridge border line. They had a pangolin and an elephant tusk.

They appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 21 November 2022 on charges of possession of protected Species.

The suspects were arrested on Friday 18 November 2022. They were arrested following a sting joint operation by SAPS members of the Crime Intelligence Unit. 

Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Beitbridge Task team also joined by members of the SANDF and Wildlife centre.

Information was received about individuals who are in possession of protected Species and have just crossed into South Africa from Zimbabwe using a boat.

FOREIGNERS CAUGHT IN POSSESION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

Thorough investigation, an Operation was also conducted and the suspects were apprehended at about 12:00 along the Western border line at Beitbridge.

Two suspects arrested for possession of endangered species
Suspects arrested for possession of endangered species

SUSPECTS ARRESTED 

One pangolin and an elephant tusk to the estimated street value of R1 million. They were also found concealed inside the backs that they were carrying.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Radebe has hailed the members for the well-coordinated operation. 

This is after it resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the continued support of the community in the fight against crime.

Police investigations are still continuing.

Four suspected arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder 

Four suspected arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder 

Four suspects aged between 28 and 38 have been traced and arrested for various crimes which include kidnapping and attempted murder. The arrests were made during a multidisciplinary intelligent driven combined operation. It comprised the Vhembe Trio Task team, Makhado CI, and Beitbridge Task Team.

They were executed from Thursday, 26 to Friday 28 October 2022. This comes after information about wanted suspects who are being sought for various crimes. The crimes also include kidnapping, assaulting GBH and terrorizing the community. They were also received by the members of these trio task teams and enthusiastically launched an operation.

Attempted murder suspect
Attempted murder suspect

ATTEMPTED MURDER

The tactical intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects in the Tshilwavhusiku policing area. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects may be linked to a number of cases including, Attempted murder, Intimidation, Pointing of firearm, Kidnapping and also theft of a motor vehicle.

CONFISCATED ITEMS

The following items were confiscated during the arrest:

Two (2) Sjambok

3 x tactical battle jackets

1 x base radio

1 x scuba diving jacket

2 x security emergency lights “strobe lights”

1 x sjambok

1 x tonfa

7 x handheld two-way radio receivers

5 x hand radio chargers

1 x ink stamp with the security companies’ details and numbers.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the great work done by various police units in tracking and arresting the suspects.

Meanwhile, A  51-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen Toyota Fortuner at the Nyl plaza. 

The vehicle was recovered during a joint operation by members of Waterberg Flying Squad, Reflex Security and Mokopane Rural Safety.The vehicle was reported  stolen at Brooklyn in Gauteng province.

The arrested suspects have started appearing before their local Magistrate’s Court across the province.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the successes achieved during the operations. She also encouraged the members to continue working hard in ensuring that the province remains crime free.