Police make significant arrest of robbery syndicate in Polokwane
Police have arrested five suspects, including a foreign national, in connection with a series of violent robberies that have shaken Polokwane's business district, marking a step towards improved safety and security in the area.
In a breakthrough against rising crime, police have arrested five suspects — including a foreign national — believed to be behind a spate of bold and violent robberies that have gripped Polokwane's central business district.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that several businesses in Polokwane were targeted in armed robberies, with cash stolen, between March and April.
"It is reported that between March and April 2025, Polokwane was experiencing an increase in business robberies daily, wherein the shopkeepers and customers were robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones at gunpoint."
He added that detectives traced the suspects to the Ga-Makibela section and Moletjie village under the Seshego policing area, where three suspects were arrested. They then moved to Polokwane CBD, where the fourth suspect was apprehended.
The suspects later led officers to Ext 75 in the Westernburg policing area, where a black pellet firearm, resembling a real firearm and believed to have been used in the robberies, was recovered
Ledwaba further stated that during interviews at Polokwane SAPS, it became clear that the suspects were involved in multiple robberies targeting three food outlets, two supermarkets, several pharmacies, a bakery, and a boutique, leading to the apprehension of a fifth suspect.
"Further investigations led the team to Polokwane, where a Zimbabwean national, who was found in possession of three stolen cellphones and was subsequently arrested," he added.
The recovered cellphones and pellet firearm, loaded with four blank rounds, were seized. Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the stolen cellphones had already been sent to Zimbabwe.
Ledwaba added that a case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened, and the four other arrested suspects have been positively linked to nine business robbery cases.
All five suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on May 5, facing charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
Acting provincial commissioner of Limpopo, Major General Manala, praised the initiative and dedication of the police team. 'We commend the involved team for their tireless efforts in restoring safety and ensuring that the perpetrators are behind bars,' Manala remarked, reaffirming the province's commitment to tackling the rising tide of crime head-on.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
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