Lebowakgomo police are searching for three unknown men suspected to be involved in a house robbery and kidnapping that took place in Mashite Malehlage Ga Mphahlele on Thursday, 26 October 2023 at about 00:30.
A 61-year-old woman alleged that while sleeping at her residence, she was awakened by three unknown men wearing black balaclavas. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at her, demanding money. They then searched the bedroom and only found R100. They then took her cellphone and ordered the victim to transfer the amount of R9000 to themselves.
Afterwards, the other two took the victim’s car keys and drove off, the remaining suspect assaulted her with a hot iron to cooperate. When the two came back, they took 3 plasma TVs, all valued at R35 000, and personal belongings such as a suitcase and 3 cellphones worth R11 500. All stolen items were loaded into the victim motor vehicle. They further blindfolded the victim, and the grandmother and took them to the nearest filling station to fill petrol, and then left them at the dumping place next to Ga Mothiba, while they continued to deliver the stolen goods, and came back to return the motor vehicle, unfold them, and instruct them to drive after two hours.
In another similar incident that took place in the same village on Thursday, 25 October 2023, a 51 year old woman alleged that she was at home with doors opened when three unknown men entered her home and demanded money at gunpoint and robbed them of cash amounting to R280 and two tablets worth R4 000-00.
On the third incident in the same village, a woman and her husband were tied by four unknown men, robbed them cash valued at R2400 at gunpoint, and four cellphones valued at R10,000 were also taken.
The three incidents were reported to the police and cases of three counts of house robberies and kidnapping are under investigations.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has directed the police to unleash all resources at their disposal to ensure that the suspects are apprehended. “We cannot allow criminals to instill fear in our communities. The police are working around the clock to ensure they apprehend these senseless criminals,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Anyone with information that can assist with the arrest of the suspects should contact Investigating Officer, Colonel Mmapitsi Sekotlong at 082 565 8426, Crime Stop 0860010111, or the nearest police station, or share information on MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are underway.