The police in Vhembe District in Limpopo have arrested two suspects who were reportedly targeting spaza shops belonging to foreign nationals and allegedly committed six business robberies in the Saselamani policing precinct, Limpopo. The crimes were committed between November and December last year and the suspects were arrested during a police operation.

TEAM EFFORT

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the police conducted a joint operation by members of the Vhembe Trio Crimes Task Team, Malamulele and Saselemani detectives to trace the suspects after receiving information about their possible whereabouts. "The operation resulted in the apprehension of the two suspects at Mbokota and Chabani villages. During the arrest, a white Toyota Bakkie that is believed to have been utilised during the commission of the crimes was also confiscated," said Mashaba.

A SYNDICATE

He said the suspects aged 22 and 30 will appear before the Saselamani Magistrate court soon facing charges of business robberies and police investigations are continuing. Police previously said preliminary investigations revealed that many of the suspects work under a syndicate called 'Makgamasa' that operates around Polokwane and targets foreign nationals and so far six had been arrested. They said these suspects disguise themselves as police officials and request legal documentation and passports from their potential targets or victims. Moreover, some of the victims are taken to remote places and robbed of valuable goods such as cellphones and money