Manhunt yields three arrests 

Northam – The joint effort by various South African Police Service units in Limpopo, supported by local communities, have resulted in the arrest of three suspects involved in a business robbery that took place at a local wholesale store in Northam on Friday 18 October. 

The police reacted on a tip-off about a planned business robbery and immediately activated a joint operation consisting of the Thabazimbi Crime Intelligence Unit, Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT), Northam Detectives, K9 Unit and various private security companies. 

According to police spokesperson colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, the suspects were cornered inside the building.

“They attempted to escape but the police had tightly secured the premises. During the process, two suspects jumped from the rooftop in an attempt to evade capture and sustained serious injuries.

The driver of the getaway vehicle was nabbed close to the crime scene. Meanwhile, a fourth culprit escaped on foot.”

The police managed to recover an undisclosed amount of cash and the red Isuzu getaway bakkie that was loaded with a generator and tyres.

Preliminary investigations have further linked these suspects to another business robbery committed at a guest house in Northam earlier that evening. 

The two injured jumpers, aged 26 and 31, are still recuperating in hospital under heavy police guard and will appear before the Northam Magistrates’ Court soon. They will face two counts of business robbery and two counts of possession of suspected stolen property. 

Meanwhile their accomplice Vusi Mbongenezi Buthelezi, aged 33, appeared in court on 21 October. His case was postponed to 24 October for bail application.

A police manhunt for the remaining suspect is still underway. Anyone with information that can lead his arrest should please contact captain Peter du Plessis on 082 565 7611, the crime stop number 086 001 0111 or your nearest police station.

Limpopo SAPS provincial commissioner lieutenant general Nneke Ledwaba applauded police and community members for their quick response and collaboration.
Police investigations are still ongoing.