Two suspects aged 34 and 38 are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate court soon facing charges of common robbery that occurred on Monday 27 March 2023 at about 10:00 at corner Paul Kruger and Rissik streets.
The suspects were identified after a video clip showing a man being robbed went viral on social media while dropping his package at a parcel counter at Watloo Supermarket and Butchery in Polokwane CBD.
It is alleged that six suspects were captured on video while robbing a Zimbabwean National of his belongings and later fled the scene on foot.
Police received information about the robbery and an immediate tactical driven operation was launched by the Polokwane Tracing Team and Crime Intelligence which led to the arrest of the two suspects in Mmotong village outside Seshego on Tuesday and Wednesday 29 March 2023.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are a syndicate calling themselves “Makgamasa” who operate around Polokwane targeting Foreign Nationals. They allegedly disguise as police officials and request legal documentation and passports from the potential targets or victims. Moreover, some of the victims are taken to remote places and robbed of valuable goods such as cell phones and money.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged community members with information about this group to come forward and assist the Police in the investigation.
A manhunt for the remaining four suspects is ongoing. Anyone who can identify the people shown on the video that has been circulating on social media platforms is urged to contact the Polokwane Branch Commander Colonel Lenkie Mathebula on 0826283172 or crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp, as it is believed they can assist in the investigations.
Police investigations are continuing.
