Police launch manhunt for armed gang after Thohoyandou filling station robbery.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Police in Limpopo have launched a full-scale manhunt after a group of heavily armed suspects stormed a filling station in Thohoyandou, robbing the business, hijacking vehicles and shooting a customer.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning at a filling station in Ha Budeli, where about ten armed men reportedly struck at around 2.30am.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the suspects entered the premises and immediately took control of the situation.
“The suspects ordered employees and customers to cooperate before proceeding to the store, where they forced open a safe and stole an undisclosed amount of cash,” Ledwaba said.
During the robbery, the gang also hijacked several vehicles belonging to customers and an employee. Some of the vehicles have since been recovered after being abandoned in different areas.
Police confirmed that the recovered vehicles include “a blue Ford Raptor, a black Polo sedan, and a white Ford Ranger Wildtrak.”
However, a white Polo GTI and a Ford Figo remain missing, with authorities still working to establish their registration details.
A male customer was shot during the ordeal and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
Investigators believe the suspects communicated in local languages during the crime. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects communicated in Tshivenda and Sepedi during the commission of the crime,” Ledwaba said.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident and ordered urgent action.
“The Provincial Commissioner has strongly condemned the incident and directed that all available resources be mobilised to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible,” Ledwaba said.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance as the search for the suspects intensifies. Anyone with information is urged to share information anonymously via the MySAPS app.
Investigations are ongoing.
IOL News