A video of a man being robbed in Polokwane CBD is circulating online. Screenshots via Twitter/@ForensicsZA.
WATCH: Two suspects in viral video of Polokwane robbery incident arrested
Suspects who are part of a syndicate targeting foreign nationals in Polokwane were arrested following a viral video of a robbery incident.
A video of a man being robbed in Polokwane CBD is circulating online. Screenshots via Twitter/@ForensicsZA.
Two suspects are expected to appear in court after they were identified in a video circulating on social media of a robbery incident in Polokwane CBD, Limpopo.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday, 27 March 2023, at about 10:00 at the corner of Paul Kruger and Rissik streets.
ROBBERY SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED IN VIRAL POLOKWANE VIDEO
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 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 fled the scene on foot.
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SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela said 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, 28 March, and Wednesday 29 March 2023.
Mojapelo said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are a syndicate calling themselves “Makgamasa” who operate around Polokwane targeting foreign nationals. They allegedly disguise themselves as police officials and request legal documentation and passports from potential targets or victims. Moreover, some victims are taken to remote places and robbed of valuable goods such as cellphones and money.
The two suspects aged 34 and 38, will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate court soon, facing charges of common robbery.
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GROUP TARGETING FOREIGN NATIONALS
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged community members with information about the group to come forward and assist the police in the investigation.
“A search 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 the crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp, as it is believed they can assist in the investigations,” Mojapelo said.
