Three suspects have been arrested and about 75 stolen cellphones, two vehicles and a firearm recovered following a business robbery in Mokopane, Limpopo.
The robbery happened at a business premises in Thabo Mbeki Street at about 1pm on Sunday.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, five suspects, at least one of whom was armed, entered the premises and threatened employees before fleeing with about 75 cellphones, two speakers and R1,620 in cash.
The stolen property is estimated to be worth more than R307,000.
The suspects allegedly fled in a white Toyota Quest fitted with false registration plates.
Following the robbery, information was shared among law-enforcement agencies, security companies and vehicle-tracking partners.
The vehicle allegedly used in the robbery was subsequently identified and traced travelling towards Marble Hall.
Ratel TJ Security and Marble Hall police were alerted and placed on standby.
The vehicle was spotted and intercepted, resulting in the arrest of two suspects on Sunday.
Police also recovered a firearm whose serial number had allegedly been filed off.
Further investigations led police to a second vehicle, a silver Toyota Etios, which was also linked to the robbery.
The vehicle was intercepted and a third suspect arrested. A large quantity of cellphones, believed to have been stolen during the robbery, was recovered from the vehicle.
The operation involved law-enforcement and security role players from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Ledwaba said the arrests and recoveries were made possible through the cooperation of Marble Hall SAPS, the Provincial Investigation Unit, the Provincial Tracking Team, Naboomspruit CPF, Ratel TJ Security, ShadowSecure, Tracker SA, Kraftt Solutions, Wezindlela Group and Florensic Fosenie.
“The investigation is continuing, and police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects who are still at large,” said Ledwaba.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised the role players for their diligence and professionalism, which led to the arrests and recovery of the stolen items and firearm.
The three suspects, aged between 35 and 37, are expected to appear soon in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
