By Augustine Ehikioya
Police officials have arrested eight suspects in South Africa for various offences including armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and kidnapping.
Limpopo Highway Patrol team made the arrest at Mokopane, Motetema, Lebowakgomo, Musina and Thohoyandou.
This was contained in a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Office of the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, and obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Friday.
The statement said “On Friday, 15 October 2021 the Police received information about a white VW Golf 6 whose occupants had allegedly committed a robbery at Mokopane and immediately followed the leads.
“The vehicle matching the description given was spotted along the R101 Road. After noticing the Police they speed off in the direction of Polokwane and a short distance car chase ensued. The suspects then stopped next to the N1 bypass under Mokopane Policing area.
“The Police immediately surrounded the vehicle and searched it. Two unlicensed firearms and cash money were recovered. Further investigations revealed that the vehicle was tampered with and the registration number plates fitted on the vehicle belonged to the SAPS Limpopo Tracking Team. The vehicle was reported stolen at Olivenhoutbosh during April, 2021. Three suspects were then immediately arrested.”
The statement went on “On 14 October, 2021, Police arrested one suspect for an alleged kidnapping that took place at Motetema. The Police made a follow up on the information received until the victim was located at Ephephia Lodge and suspect had already left but Police managed to recover his firearm and car keys.
“He was later arrested while trying to steal from the victim’s vehicle that was parked at the Police Station.
“On Saturday, 16 October, 2021 two suspects were arrested at Lebowakgomo taxi rank for possession of drugs, theft with warrant of arrest issued, resisting arrest and interfering with Police duties. In Musina, Limpopo Highway Patrol team and Tracking Team Members recovered stolen items at a certain house in Musina, eleven (11) tower batteries were linked to theft case at Sekgosese policing area and other items such as New redbat jeans,1x plasma JVC TV 90cm, 3x pack of rg cigarettes, 2x VW car keys and car parts.”
One suspect, the statement said, was also apprehended in connection with attempted murder incident that occurred during November, 2018 at Thohoyandou Policing area.
In another statement by Captain Nqobile Gwala, on behalf of South African Police Service (SAPS), Office of the Provincial Commissioner KwaZulu-Natal, the Police sought for assistance in finding some wanted suspects.
The statement said “On 25 August, 2019 at 20:35, Sipho Gcaba (40) was visiting a friend at Sakhile Location when he was approached by three armed males who demanded his car keys. Gcaba refused and was stabbed on the chest and collapsed.
“The suspects took the vehicle and drove away in an unknown direction. Gcaba was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival. The vehicle was later found abandoned in the Melmoth area.
“The matter was reported to Nkandla Police Station and charges of carjacking and murder were opened for investigation. An intensive investigation led to the arrest of Sibonangaye Shavn Hlophe (20), Khayelihle Thabiso (23), and Bongani Griffiths Ngobeni (28), who appeared in the Nkandla Magistrate’s Court on 21 October 2021.
“They were granted bail of R7000-00 each and the case was remanded to 5th November, 2021. Hlophe and Ngobeni absconded their bail and have been on the run. The Nkandla Regional Court has issued a warrant of their Arrests,” it added.
The statement disclosed that another wanted suspect on the run is Khayelihle Maxwell Zuke (49) who was granted bail of R5000-00 by the Nkandla Magistrate’s Court for “two counts of murder, attempted murder and robbery.”
“Zuke was arrested with his eleven co-accused who were remanded in custody. The court granted Zuke bail however his co-accused were denied bail. The Nkandla Regional Court has issued warrant of his arrest since he failed to attend court proceedings.
“It is alleged that on 9 August, 2021 at 01:00, Police received information about the suspects planning to commit robbery at a business premises in Nkandla. The Police wasted no time and proceeded to the scene where they spotted three vehicles with 15 passengers.
“When the suspects spotted the Police vehicles they opened fire and the Police returned fire, fatally wounding two suspects. The remaining suspects attempted to flee the scene but lost control of their vehicles and were arrested.
“The vehicles were searched and four unlicensed firearms and explosives were recovered. They were arrested and charged accordingly.
“The statement said the Police has also appealed to anyone who may have information regarding the suspect to contact Investigating Officer, Sergeant Ndlela on “082 557 5507/ 035 833 0053 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”