Three suspects aged between 35 and 37 have been arrested after about 75 cell phones, two vehicles and a firearm were recovered following a business robbery in Mokopane in Limpopo on Sunday (13 September).
According to a police statement, the stolen property is estimated to be worth more than R307 000.
The robbery allegedly took place at a business premises in Thabo Mbeki Street at about 13:00.
The police said five suspects, at least one of whom was armed with a firearm, allegedly entered the premises and threatened employees before fleeing with about 75 cellphones, two speakers and R1 620 in cash.
The suspects allegedly fled in a white Toyota Quest displaying false registration plates.
Following the robbery, information was shared between law-enforcement agencies, security companies and vehicle-tracking partners.
According to the police, investigative and tracking efforts led to the vehicle allegedly used in the robbery being identified and traced travelling towards Marble Hall.
Ratel TJ Security and the police in Marble Hall were alerted and placed on standby. The vehicle was later spotted and intercepted, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, the poluce said.
According to the statement, a firearm with its serial number filed off was recovered during the operation.
Further investigation allegedly linked a second vehicle, a silver Toyota Etios, to the robbery.
The police said the vehicle was intercepted and a third suspect was arrested. A large quantity of cell phones believed to have been stolen during the robbery was recovered from the vehicle.
The operation involved role players from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng, the police stated.
These included the police in Marble Hall, the Provincial Investigation Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, the CPF in Naboomspruit, Ratel TJ Security, ShadowSecure, Tracker SA, Kraftt Solutions, Wezindlela Group and Florensic Fosenie.
The police said the operation demonstrated the importance of rapid information sharing, coordinated investigations and cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, security companies and other partners.
According to the statement, the investigation is continuing as the police work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects who are still at large
Limpopo provincial commissioner lieutenant general Jan Scheepers, praised the role players for their diligence and professionalism, which he said contributed to the arrests and recovery of the stolen property and firearm.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Mokopane magistrate’s court on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
