Limpopo police have arrested a 50-year-old man and his 40-year-old female accomplice after uncovering a deadly cache of nine unlicensed firearms and a stash of ammunition in their possession.
This comes after an intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Investigation Unit and Provincial Tracking Team in Thohoyandou, sparked by tip-offs that led officers straight to the armed suspects.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba revealed that on Tuesday, the Provincial Investigating Team acted swiftly on a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle allegedly carrying illegal firearms in Thohoyandou. The team later intercepted the vehicle as it travelled along the R524 towards Punda Maria.
He said that the moment the suspect spotted the police, the driver hit the accelerator in a desperate bid to escape, sparking a high-speed chase that intensified the already tense operation.
“The driver, after noticing the police, allegedly sped off. The police gave chase until the vehicle was cornered and ultimately forced to stop at Tshikhudini village. The police, upon searching the vehicle, found a 9mm pistol. The driver failed to give a satisfactory explanation about the firearm and was immediately placed under arrest.”
Ledwaba added that the investigation took a dramatic turn when the operational team tracked the suspects to their homestead. There, they found a woman inside the house. A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of additional unlicensed firearms, deepening the gravity of the case.
“The house was searched, and eight more firearms were found. The female suspect was also arrested. Two high-powered vehicles and the nine firearms were seized to form part of investigations,” he added.
The duo is expected to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Thursday, April 17, facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Ledwaba further stated that police are continuing their investigation, as they work to uncover more details and potentially link the suspects to other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, hailed the arrest of two suspects and further commended the investigating team members for their resilience and diligent work that led to the confiscation of firearms as well as high-powered vehicles.
The Star