By Augustine Ehikioya
For alleged money laundering, Police officers in South Africa have arrested three suspects in Polokwane CBD, Limpopo Province.
They were also accused of being in possession of stolen goods.
This was contained in a statement by Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo. It was available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The Limpopo Tracking Team and Provincial Investigative Unit have apprehended three suspects aged between 29 and 47 for suspected stolen goods and money laundering on Thursday 07 October, 2021 at about 05:00 in Polokwane CBD.
“Police received information about the suspects who were in possession of SASSA cards, busy withdrawing money at ABSA ATM at corner Jorrissen and Schoeman Streets.
“Police swiftly responded and quickly rushed to the said place and upon arrival they found one male and two females carrying side bags. The suspects attempted to flee the scene after the arrival of the Police but they were cornered and searched.
“During the search, Police recovered 70 SASSA cards and R59,180.00 in cash which was already withdrawn by the suspects.”
The suspects, the statement said, failed to account for the origin and ownership of the cards and they were “immediately apprehended and a Citroen motor vehicle confiscated during the arrests.”
The statement added “The suspects are residing in Moletjie, Makgodu village and will appear before Polokwane Magistrates court soon facing charges of being in possession of suspected stolen goods and money laundering.”
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the statement said, has commended the members for responding to the information provided and ultimately apprehending the suspects.
“Further Police investigations will be conducted to determine the ownership of these SASSA cards and how the suspects got hold of them,” it said.
The statement also urged anyone with information about similar modus operandi to contact Detective Sergeant Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police.