Limpopo Provincial Commissioner appreciates efforts of police and community in ridding province of illegal fire arms
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe hailed the arrest of 07 suspects aged between 13 and 46 for charges ranging from possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition to possession of suspected stolen vehicle. They were arrested from the beginning of the week at Capricorn and Sekhukhune Districts.
These operations were held by Crime Intelligence, Detectives, Vispol, K9, TRT members, private security firms, Farm Watch and other stakeholders.
Two suspects aged 38 and 42 were arrested at Ga-Ranoto in Seshego policing area, for possession of suspected stolen vehicle, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. On Wednesday 20 September 2023 at around 15:45, members of Tactical Response Team (TRT) operating at Capricorn District spotted a suspicious white Toyota Corolla, and they immediately tried to stop the vehicle but the driver sped off. A car chase ensued and police cornered the suspects. Upon searching them, they were found in possession of one pistol with serial number filed-off, one live ammunition, one Norinco pistol with serial number, 08 live ammunition, one magazine and a white Toyota Corolla that was linked to Senwabarwana carjacking incident reported during June 2023.
In another incident that occurred at Matlerekeng on 20 September 2023, one foreign national suspect was nabbed by Matlerekeng detectives and Dennilton K9, after being found with 02 unlicensed firearms. During a separate incident a 26-year-old was also found with 01 unlicensed firearm and illicit cigarettes.
Meanwhile, in Motetema, two suspects aged 32 and 46 were arrested by members of Motetema Vispol, Detectives and Sekhukhune Crime Intelligence. The teams were following leads when they apprehended the suspects. They were found in possession of 9mm Norinco pistol with one empty magazine and six live ammunition of a rifle.
In another incident, the same team arrested a 13-year-old boy for being in possession of unlicensed firearm with filled-off serial number. He was then released under the supervision of his mother. The probation officer was engaged for assessment purposes.
“We highly commend the police and other stakeholders including private securities and Farm Watch for playing such a significant role in protecting the lives of the citizens of this province by confiscating the firearms from the criminals”.
More operations are expected across the five districts.
Some of the suspects have already started appearing before their respective Magistrates’ Courts.
The police investigations are still continuing.
Source: South Africa Police Service