Vala Umgodi Task Team cracks down on crime in Sekhukhune District

A major anti-crime operation in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune District led to the arrest of multiple suspects, the recovery of two unlicensed firearms, and the seizure of a suspected stolen vehicle.

The Limpopo police spokesperson,Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the multidisciplinary operation, conducted by the Vala Umgodi Task Team in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), unfolded on Sunday.

The first arrest took place in Majakaneng village within the Motetema policing area, where a 26-year-old man was found with a 9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and four cartridges.

"The task team spotted a suspicious black BMW sedan and tactically stopped it. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a 9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with 14 live rounds of ammunition, and four cartridges. The suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition," said Thakeng.

In a separate incident, officers targeted an illegal mining site in Motsiphiri within the Hlogotlou policing precinct. A 30-year-old man was arrested after being found with a truck loaded with sand. He paid a R2,000 admission of guilt fine.

"While in the same vicinity, officers acted on information about a blue Ford Ranger, which had been stolen during a house robbery in Vaalbank policing area, Gauteng, earlier in December. With the assistance of a tracking company, the vehicle was traced to a house in Monsterlus village," said Thakeng.

A 52-year-old man was arrested for possessing the stolen vehicle as well as an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. During the arrest, a 54-year-old man was detained for obstructing the police.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the task team’s efforts, noting their consistent results in tackling serious crimes.

The suspects are due to appear in the Groblersdal and Nebo Magistrate’s Courts on Tuesday, December 17.

Investigations are ongoing.

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