ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
LIMPOPO: A 42-year-old suspect has been arrested, one year after he reportedly killed a man he owed money for a vehicle. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the deceased from Morwasetla village in Bolobedu was found with a gunshot wound on the forehead on 6 January 2024. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim sold a Ford Ranger bakkie to the suspect, who still owed a remaining balance on the payment. The deceased allegedly had an appointment with the suspect exactly a year ago when he met his untimely death at Morwasetla village," Thakeng said. A murder case was opened, and police conducted an investigation that ultimately led to the suspect's arrest on Saturday, 4 January 2025, during an operation carried out by various provincial units. The suspect is expected to appear in Bolobedu Magistrate's Court soon.
MPUMALANGA: Two foreign nationals, aged 33 and 39, were arrested next to Consort Mine in Barberton after being found in possession of explosives. Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said members of Operation Vala Umgodi were busy conducting vehicle checkpoints when they spotted a black BMW 1 Series with two occupants inside. The vehicle was subsequently stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of explosives, jackhammers, water boots, and cash totalling R10,000. The suspects were arrested after they were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the items. Mdhluli said that one of the suspects was out on bail at the time of his arrest, facing a pending charge for possession of an unlicensed firearm, scheduled to appear in court on 30 January 2025. Both suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate's Court today.
MPUMALANGA: A 41-year-old woman was arrested by the police on Saturday in Ermelo after being found in possession of drugs. Her arrest came after the multidisciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi received intelligence-driven information about a house where the selling of drugs and other related activities were taking place around Ermelo. Information also indicated that a female person was behind all the dodgy dealings. Members then operationalised the information given and went to the premises after obtaining a search warrant. A search was conducted inside the house and around the premises. It was during this period when a bag containing various drugs, such as dagga, suspected mandrax, and cocaine, was found, with an estimated value of about R15 000. The cops also discovered cash of about R3 800 inside one of the rooms. The suspect was charged with dealing in drugs.