Planned casino robbery foiled in Polokwane: SAPS

Crime Intelligence-driven operation conducted in Burgersfort have led to the arrest of a 35 year-old suspect who was part of a group that was about to rob some businesses in the area, including the local Casino in Burgersfort. 

The South African Police (SAPS)'s Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says police received information about the suspects driving in two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux 28GD6 and a Ford Ranger, both without number plates. 

ALSO READ: Limpopo police hunting for 4 escaped prisoners

"The operation comprising members derived from Crime Intelligence, Detectives, the POCC, the K9 and the Public Order Police was activated to monitor the suspects," says Mojapelo. 

The vehicles were then spotted along the R37 road from Praktiseer towards the Casino. 

Mojapelo says: "The police pounced on them and nabbed one of the suspects who resides at Mashishing in Mpumalanga. He was found in possession of a firearm with serial numbers filed off and 08 live ammunition."

According to Mojapelo, the police's intensified festive season operations resulted in the arrest of two 246 suspects during the past week and confiscation of 17 firearms of different caliber, 9 motor vehicles, cash, TVs, cellular phones, laptops, and knives. 

The suspects are facing a range of charges such as murder, attempted murder, house robbery, rape, theft, illegal immigration, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, burglary of residences, and contraventions of the Road Traffic Act.

Some of the arrested suspects have started appearing before various magistrate courts throughout the Province.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended all members who are involved in these ongoing Festive Season operations and urged community members to work with the police in making sure that this festive season becomes the safest one ever.