…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. Limpopo police have achieved a major breakthrough in their efforts to combat ATM bombings and business robberies in the province.
A dedicated task team, known as “Operation Takedown,” successfully apprehended ten suspects linked to these criminal activities.
The operation was launched in Gauteng following a series of robberies targeting petrol stations in the Capricorn, Sekhukhune, and Mopani districts.
Collaborative Effort of Specialized Units Contributes to Success
Led by the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the task team brought together highly skilled investigators from various units, including the Provincial Tracking team, Murder and Robbery Unit, Organized Crime Unit, Flying Squad, Gauteng LCRC, and assistance from a Private Security and Investigation Company.
This collaborative approach played a significant role in achieving the breakthrough.
Arrested Suspects Linked to Multiple Cases, Including Recent ATM Bombing
The ten arrested suspects have been positively linked to ten separate cases, with the most recent being an ATM bombing in Ga-Mashashane outside Polokwane on May 16.
Operation Takedown successfully cornered the suspects in different locations, including Soweto, Randfontein, Mabopane, and Orange Farm.
During the arrests, the suspects were found in possession of dye-stained banknotes, explosives, firearms, and ammunition.
Two vehicles were also confiscated by the police.
Potential for Further Arrests and Nationalities of the Suspects
The task team believes that additional arrests are possible, indicating that the investigations are ongoing.
Nine of the suspects have been identified as Lesotho Nationals and were found to be residing in the country illegally.
The remaining suspect is a South African citizen.
The arrested individuals face charges related to armed robbery, ATM bombing, possession of dye-stained money, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
They are expected to appear in various courts in the near future.
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