Latest news with #Manala
The Star
04-05-2025
- The Star
Police make significant arrest of robbery syndicate in Polokwane
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 [email protected]
IOL News
04-05-2025
- IOL News
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. 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
The South African
24-04-2025
- The South African
Two BMA officials among nine arrested for border corruption
A joint anti-corruption operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry has led to the arrest of two Border Management Authority (BMA) officers and seven others for their alleged involvement in facilitating the illegal movement of undocumented migrants across the border. The South African Police Service said the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, Musina detectives, the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and BMA officials carried out the sting operation on Tuesday, 22 April, shortly after 09:00. The focus was on disrupting the activities of individuals suspected of accepting bribes to allow unauthorised border crossings. According to police, surveillance teams observed a white Mercedes Benz taxi stopping near a shop close to the border post. Two BMA officers – a 61-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man – allegedly approached the taxi, accepted a bribe and allowed it to pass without inspection. Authorities later intercepted the vehicle. Inside were 18 passengers – 13 with valid passports and five undocumented foreign nationals without travel documents. Authorities arrested the driver and a female passenger, believed to have facilitated the illegal crossing, at the scene. The authorities charged all nine suspects, including the two BMA officials, with corruption and brought them before the Musina Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 23 April. The five undocumented migrants face additional charges under the Immigration Act. All accused are due to return to court on Thursday, 24 April, for a formal bail hearing. Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, commended the operation, saying it reflects the police's commitment to rooting out corruption and protecting the integrity of South Africa's borders. 'Public servants who choose to undermine the law for personal gain will face serious consequences,' said Manala. 'This successful operation highlights the importance of collaboration and vigilance in securing our borders.' he added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
