By Theodorah Mawasha
KGAPANE-Limpopo tracking team, Limpopo PIU, and crime intelligence responded swiftly after receiving a tip-off about suspects who were preparing to travel to Mpumalanga province to bomb ATMs.
The suspects, some of whom are from Kgapane, Greater Letaba, and were arrested in Meidingen village and home 2000 respectively, are allegedly responsible for a spate of crimes in Bolobedu and neighbouring districts. According to Bolobedu police, the syndicate is alleged to have been terrorizing the community for quite some time.
Explosives and guns were found by police
It is alleged that they committed heinous crimes ranging from murder to robberies of all sorts. The suspects allegedly attacked a police officer in Botlokwa and took his service pistol in one incident. The men are also suspected to have bombed multiple ATMs in Bolobedu and surrounding areas. Furthermore, they allegedly attacked the Malamulele police station where pistols, balaclavas, bulletproof vests, and police uniforms, amongst many other items, were stolen. Two cars, a Mercedes Benz c-class and white Toyota Hilux believed to be get-away cars were also seized.
Money from ATMs bombing
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo commended the stellar operation that was carried out by police task teams.” This successful operation is a first of many. People need to understand that crime does not pay. You live by the sword; you die by the sword”. He said.
The suspects will face seven charges and will appear in Malamulele, Giyani, Bolobedu, Sekhukhune, Lebowakgomo, Burgersfort, and Morebeng magistrate’s court. Other suspects are still at large, armed and dangerous. People are advised not to approach them. Investigations are continuing.
