Police in Vhembe district arrest couple with unlicensed firearms and high-performance vehicles
A recent operation in the Vhembe district led to the arrest of a couple found in possession of nine unlicensed firearms and two high-performance vehicles, including a Porsche. The couple’s arrest was part of a larger effort by law enforcement agencies to ensure safety during the Easter period in Limpopo.
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s provincial police commissioner, reported that over 4,600 suspects were arrested across the province during the operation. These arrests included individuals involved in drug-related offences, driving under the influence of alcohol, and undocumented foreign nationals.
According to Hadebe, the arrests were made possible through collaborative efforts between the South African Police Service (Saps), the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and other law enforcement agencies. The operation aimed to tackle cross-border crimes, monitor high-traffic routes, and respond to incidents of violence.
Efforts to dismantle criminal networks
Hadebe highlighted that the confiscation of unlicensed firearms was crucial in disrupting criminal networks operating within Limpopo. These firearms were linked to crimes such as armed robbery and attempted murder, making their removal from the streets a priority for law enforcement agencies.
The police commissioner also mentioned ongoing investigations by Saps’ taxi violence unit into a fatal crash allegedly caused by illegal modifications to a taxi. She assured that arrests related to the incident would follow soon.
Border security and road safety
Hadebe commended the efforts at Limpopo’s key border points, particularly at Beitbridge, where 24-hour roadblocks were in place. Five individuals were arrested for attempting to smuggle stolen goods out of the country, emphasizing the importance of border security.
She also warned the public about the dangers of hitchhiking and spiking incidents on the N1 highway, urging caution and vigilance among road users. With heavy rains affecting road conditions, Hadebe emphasized the need for drivers to obey road rules to prevent unnecessary fatalities.
Community violence and mob justice
Despite progress in ensuring safety during the Easter period, Hadebe expressed concern over a recent double murder incident in an informal settlement at Thabazimbi. The incident involved a fatal altercation between two men, leading to the community taking the law into their own hands and resorting to mob justice.
The police commissioner called for communities to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their work instead of engaging in vigilante justice. She stressed the importance of cooperation between the police and the community to address crime effectively.
