Two foreign nationals caught selling drugs in the streets of Makhado

Two foreign nationals caught selling drugs in the streets of Makhado

Police have arrested two foreign nationals on Monday, 27 November 2023 for selling drugs on the streets of Makhado Town, Limpopo.  An intelligence-driven operation by the investigating team received valuable information about two suspects selling drugs.

ALSO READ: Suspects arrested in connection with Mecklenburg Cash-in-transit robbery 

They proceeded to the place, and on arrival, the first suspect was searched. He was found in possession of 75 sachets of crystal meth drugs with an estimated street value of R 7000. The second suspect was found in possession of crystal meth, mandrax and Kat drugs. It had an estimated street value of R15 000.

FOREIGNERS NABBED FOR DEALING WITH DRUGS IN MAKHADO  

The suspects were immediately arrested and detained. They will appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 28 November 2023. They are facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs.

Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the collaborative efforts and commitment of the team in the fight against drug trafficking.

Tips to safeguard vehicles against Car Jamming as festive season looms

Tips to safeguard vehicles against Car Jamming as festive season looms

Limpopo Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe warned motorists to be vigilant and offered tips to avoid falling victim to car jamming. This comes as thieves are utilising numerous jamming devices to break into vehicles.

Car jammers are commonly individuals using illegal devices to interfere with remote keyless entry systems. Preventing vehicles from locking and securing properly.

ALSO READ: Mysterious death of two men at Seshego Hospital probed 

“We strongly urge all members of the community to be vigilant. Take precautions to protect their vehicles and their valuables from potential theft,” General Thembi Hadebe.

 POLICE OFFER TIPS TO SAFEGUARD VEHICLES AGAINST CAR JAMMING

Manually Check: After using your remote keyless entry, always make sure your vehicle is locked by visually and manually inspecting the doors.

Use Secondary Security: Consider using steering wheel locks or additional vehicle security systems to deter thieves.

Parking Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings when parking in public areas. Choose well-lit, busy locations when possible.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any suspicious behavior or individuals tampering with vehicles, please contact the police immediately.

Educate Others: Share this information with friends and family to also raise awareness about car jammers.

Tips to safeguard vehicles against Car Jamming as festive season looms
Car Jamming remote

“We are actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at raising awareness to prevent any elements of criminality. Especially during the festive season and if we receive cases emanating from car jamming,” she said.

“We assure the public that our dedicated members will ensure they are properly investigated and work diligently to apprehend those responsible. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our communities and will continue to engage in efforts to prevent and combat car jamming,” she concluded.

She has further encouraged communities to stay informed and cooperate with the police to protect their neighborhoods from this threat. Members of the community are also advised to report any crime-related issues to the police on the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. 

Fake Police officers rob shoppers at Tafelkop Mall

Fake Police officers rob shoppers at Tafelkop Mall

Shop owners and businesses in Limpopo have been warned following a robbery incident by fake police officers at Tafelkop Mall on Thursday. The fake Police Officers, arrived at the mall driving in a white VW Polo Classic and flashing blue lights.

The armed suspects were allegedly dressed in full police uniform and instructed the security officers on duty to allow them access to the premises to conduct crime prevention duties and also monitor cameras at the control room.

ALSO READ: Foreign national Spaza Shop owner shot and killed in Giyani

They then robbed the shoppers cellphones, two-way radios and an official jacket. Police were alerted about the robbery but the suspects had already fled the scene. One SAPS reflector jacket was recovered from the scene. The R260 Million Tafelkop Mall situated in Elias Motsoaledi Municipality was officially opened in April 2023.

Shop owners and businesses in Limpopo have been warned following a robbery incident by fake police officers at Tafelkop Mall on Thursday.
Crime Scene

TAFELKOP MALL ROBBERY BY FAKE POLICE OFFICERS CONDEMNED 

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has since issued a stern warning to all shop operators.

“We urge all shop owners to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a police officer. Report any suspicious activity to the local police station immediately,” said General Hadebe.

“Your safety and security are our top priorities. We are actively investigating these incidents of criminals that are hellbent on tarnishing the image of the police,” she said.

The warning has also been extended to those who are operating in illegal activities at Spaza Shops. The intensified high-density operations also focus on counterfeit products, contraband and expired food sold at spaza shops and supermarkets, throughout the province.

“If shop owners have any suspicions, they have the right to ask an official to identify himself or herself by showing off their appointment cards, which must be carried by each and every police official who executes their duties,” said the Police.

Group of suspects commit business robbery at a Musina Farm 

Group of suspects commit business robbery at a Musina Farm 

Limpopo Police have activated a massive manhunt for a group of suspects who committed business robbery in the farms within the Musina area. 

The suspects made off with items worth over R100 000, on Tuesday, 03 October at around 20:00.

According to the reports, two employees were in their farmhouse not far from the owner’s house, when the armed suspects intruded into their house and suddenly pointed them with firearms.

ALSO READ: Man [23] arrested for murder of his 97-year-old grandmother in Mankweng

They ordered them to the owner’s house, who was not present. The suspects then grind the safe and ransacked the house. Stole items including two pellet guns, one shotgun, mattresses, clothes, bags, blankets, and cellphones amongst other properties. 

They apparently loaded the stolen goods into the farm owner’s vehicle, a Mahindra bakkie with a trailer that was parked in the yard.

When the suspects were about to flee the owner arrived with another vehicle and confronted them. A shootout ensued, and the suspects bumped the owner’s vehicle. The suspects alighted from Mahindra and fled on foot.

The Police were immediately notified about the incident. A case of business robbery was opened while a  manhunt for the suspects was activated.

THUGS ON THE RUN AFTER COMMITTING BUSINESS ROBBERY IN MUSINA 

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered the Police in Musina, Vhembe District to mobilize resources. 

Anyone with information that can assist the Police in arresting the suspects involved should contact the investigating officer Sergeant Sitsula Dakalo at 064 829 8050/ 015 534 7401. Crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPSApp.

Man killed at a Tavern in Giyani

Man killed at a Tavern in Giyani

A 39-year-old man was found lying on the ground with two gunshot wounds at a local Tavern in Homu 14B, Giyani on Sunday 03 September 2023 at about 00:10. Police have since opened a case of murder.

According to the information, Police received a complaint about a murder that occurred at the local tavern. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of a 39-year-old lying on the ground with two gunshot wounds.

ALSO READ: 19th body discovered in Makhado shootout

Emergency Services personnel were called to the scene. On their arrival they certified the deceased was dead on the scene. The deceased was identified as Simon Zane Shibanda, residing at Makosha Village.

The motive behind this horrific act is not yet established but the investigation will reveal the cause.

A 39-YEAR-OLD FOUND DEAD AT A TAVERN IN GIYANI

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the Incident. She further calls upon the Community to assist the Police with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) should contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Minyuku on 082 729 0327. Crime stop number 08600 10111, or also the nearest Police Station, or by sharing information on MySAPSApp.

Dealers busted with illicit drugs in Mankweng

Dealers busted with illicit drugs in Mankweng

The two male suspects are expected to appear before Mankweng Magistrate’s Court, Limpopo on Monday 31 July 2023 facing charges of unlawful possession and dealing in illicit drugs.

The provincial organised Crime Investigation Unit followed up on information received from the source. They subsequently arrested two male suspects on Friday 28 July 2023 in Mankweng. It is reported that both suspects were spotted and found selling drugs at separate locations.

Dealers busted with illicit drugs in Mankweng
Mankweng Police

ALSO READ: Mankweng drug dealer, accomplice arrested

The duo are facing Charges of unlawful possession and dealing in illicit drugs believed to be worth R12 000. The said drugs were confiscated by Police as part of the investigation.

DEALERS DEALING WITH ILLICIT DRUGS

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Investigation team for ridding this Province of drugs which were meant to be distributed to destroy innocent people.

The suspects are expected to appear before Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 31 July 2023.

Suspended police constable arrested for touching his wife and daughter

Suspended police constable arrested for touching his wife and daughter

CRIME – A 35-year-old suspended Police Constable attached to Thohoyandou SAPS, was on Sunday morning arrested for attempted murder. This is after he allegedly doused his wife aged 30 and daughter with fuel and attempted to burn them at his wife’s residence in Thohoyandou P-West.

The incident occurred in the early hours of today, Sunday 05 March 2023.

ALSO READ: Police officers urged to prioritise GBV cases this festive season

The suspect, who is currently separated from his wife, allegedly went to his wife’s house and knocked at the window of a room in which his wife and daughter were sleeping. He told them that he had brought his child’s drink (Mageu). The woman opened the window and took it.

POLICE CONSTABLE ATTEMPTS TO KILL WIFE AND DAUGHTER

After some minutes her husband returned and gained entry into the bedroom carrying fuel, he poured both his wife and daughter. Before he could torch them, the victim managed to grab the lighter, and let him cool off.

She thereafter ran to the Police Station leaving the suspect in the house. She returned with the Police and the suspect was immediately arrested.

The Constable was out on bail after he last month was arrested for assaulting his wife (GBV) and was on suspension from the SAPS.

SAPS HEAD CONDEMNS THE BABARIC ACTS BY ONE OF THEIR OWN

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the conduct of this member.

“The SAPS shall not tolerate members who place the lives of women and children at risk. This incident by one of our own is not just an embarrassment. But also jeopardizes our efforts aimed at reducing incidents of Gender Based Violence both internally and externally.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for allegedly raping 85-year-old Woman in her home

“Our investigating Officer will ensure that he forfeits his bail due to the latest incident,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspect will appear in Thohoyandou magistrate court on Monday facing charges of attempted murder and housebreaking.

RELATED STORY: Police captain arrested for alleged corruption in Bela Bela 

Eight illegal miners die after being trapped underground in Burgersfort 

Eight illegal miners die after being trapped underground in Burgersfort 

Police in Driekop outside Burgersfort have opened an inquest docket after eight suspected illegal miners digging chrome at Ga-Maroga village died. 

These illegal miners were allegedly trapped underground from Friday 06 January 2023.

ILLEGAL MINERS SUFFOCATE UNDERGROUND 

One South African, three Mozambicans and four Zimbabweans were allegedly busy with illegal mining activities. When the water coming from heavy rains that fell in the area apparently pushed the soil that blocked the only point they were using for entry and exit. They then apparently suffocated.

The Police were called on Saturday night. On arrival they reportedly found that the local community members had already dug a hole.  The community members gained access to the miners and they had already started retrieving the bodies.

A hole dug for illegal miners
A hole dug for illegal miners

PROVINCIAL POLICE REACT

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has warned community members to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities as this is unsafe and also against the law.

“As a Province, we have established a team to deal with illegal mining activities around the Province. Especially in the areas along the R37 road in Sekhukhune District. Many illegal miners have been arrested and mining equipment confiscated,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

Charges in terms of the Immigration Act will also be preferred against the seven deceased as they were in the country illegally. A case of illegal mining will also be registered against all of them.

The post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Man who torched a house with two women and four children inside on the run 

Man who torched a house with two women and four children inside on the run 

Police in Malamulele have launched a manhunt for the heartless suspect who torched a house with a highly flammable substance believed to be petrol. He set it alight while six people, amongst them, four children, were sleeping inside at Plange village, Mtiti in Limpopo.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning 11 December 2022.

A 29-year-old man had on Saturday 10 December 2022 during the day. Reportedly visited his ex-girlfriend aged 23 who was at home with her two children aged 2 months and 2 years. Her cousin and her two children aged 6 days and  3 years. The two started arguing and the man reportedly left after the heated altercation.

SUSPECT TORCHED A HOUSE 

In the early hours of the following morning (Sunday) at about 01:00. An unknown suspect broke the window and sprinkled a flammable liquid substance believed to be petrol inside the house through the window and then set the house on fire. The suspect then fled the scene.

The victims screamed for help and they were eventually rescued by community members.

Police and emergency rescue services were summoned and the victims were transported to hospital in a critical condition. Police then opened a case of arson and six counts of attempted murder. Sadly, the 3-year-old child, identified as Vunene Ngobeni later succumbed to her injuries. The sixth count of attempted murder was then changed to murder.

The motive for the incident is not yet known but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.

The Provincial Commissioner of  Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that the suspect responsible for this horrendous incident be hunted down and brought to book.

“We appeal to community members with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect to come forward,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Police call upon Edward Chauke (29) residing at Gumbani village to avail himself at Malamulele police station. Or he must contact the nearest police station as it is believed he will be able to assist in the unfolding investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Detective Commander Colonel Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919
or the crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.

Man arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition

Man arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition

A 58-year-old man has been arrested for alleged possession of illegal firearms and ammunition in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Thursday, 10 November 2022.

He is scheduled to appear in Thohoyandou magistrate court on Monday,14 November 2022.

SUSPECT APPREHENDED

The suspect was apprehended by the Thohoyandou Police and the Tactical and Response (TRT) Unit in the Vhembe District. He was also found in possession of three unlicensed firearms, two rifles with ammunition including eight bags of dagga at Ngwenani Ya Mapholi village.

This is proof that the Police’s relentless efforts to fight against incidents of murder and armed robberies in Limpopo continue to bear fruits.

Police also received information about a male suspect who was in possession of firearms and ammunition at his residence.

ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

The house was identified and searched, resulting in the recovery of the following items:

︎ 1 × R1 rifle with eight live ammunitions.

︎1 × R4 rifle with two (2) magazines and also seventy eight (78) live ammunition.

︎3 × firearms with one magazine and three live rounds.

︎1.× Detonator with a red cable.

Digimark battery black in colour.

1.× Connection DC wire.

︎8 × Also bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R80.000.

The firearms will be subjected to investigations to determine if they were previously involved in the commission of crimes.

The suspect will appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate court on Monday 14 November 2022. He faces charges of possession of dagga, unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for the work in recovering these weapons.