Three suspects have been arrested after a coordinated police and private-security operation recovered approximately 75 cellphones, two vehicles and a firearm following a business robbery in Mokopane, Limpopo.
According to police, five suspects entered premises on Thabo Mbeki Street at about 1pm on Sunday, 13 September. At least one was armed, and employees were threatened before the group fled with approximately 75 cellphones, two speakers and R1,620 in cash.
The stolen property was valued at more than R307,000.
Police said the suspects escaped in a white Toyota Quest displaying false registration plates. Information shared between law-enforcement agencies, security companies and vehicle-tracking partners helped investigators trace the vehicle travelling towards Marble Hall.
Marble Hall SAPS and Ratel TJ Security intercepted the Quest, arresting two suspects. A firearm with its serial number filed off was recovered during the operation.
Further investigations identified a silver Toyota Etios allegedly linked to the robbery. Officers intercepted the second vehicle, arrested a third suspect and recovered a large quantity of cellphones believed to have been stolen from the business.
The operation brought together teams from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Participating organisations included 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.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended those involved for their cooperation and professionalism.
The three suspects, aged between 35 and 37, are expected to appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
Police are continuing their search for the remaining suspects.
