KEY POINTS
- Intense armed raids occured on friday evening into saturday morning in seven communities.
- The police have since launched a high profile targeted drive to arrest the criminals involved.
- Community members with information regarding the suspects should get in touch with the police.
The Limpopo Police Service has launched a high-profile, targeted drive against two armed suspects who have been carrying out a series of vicious home breaches and sexual crimes that terrified Hoveni residents within the Maake jurisdiction.
Coordinated crime carried out by these criminals
It appears according to a statement from Colonel Malesela- Ledwaba, provincial police spokesperson that the criminal activity began late Friday evening and went on through to early Saturday.
In the wake of intense armed raids from 11:30 pm of Friday to 2 am of Saturday, the suspects attacked seven communities in this region, which has the signature of a well-planned string of violent. Ledwaba further explained that the attackers used firearms to break into homes and force victims to give up money and valuables and rape minors several times.
The citizens of besieged households suffered repeated cases of house robberies where the money and cellphones were taken by the suspects.
Seperate cases associated with rape as robbers terrorised villagers
Furthermore, police named three separate cases associated with the rape, which included sexual abuse of minors under the age of 15. Moreover, police recorded an attempted murder case involving a man who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. According to the police, medical staff are currently treating him in the hospital.
The police recorded further cases such as assaults intended to amount to grievous bodily harm and shots fired incidents. Forensic teams that had worked the scenes recovered various things including empty cartridges, Ledwaba noted.
The provincial serious and violent crime unit, crime intelligence, and the tactical response unit formed an investigative team to lead the investigation into these incidents.
Statement from the provincial commisioner of police
The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has openly declared his rage at the barbaric travesties of how robbers terrorised villagers.
In the Hoveni village, a positive action has taken not only the families but also the overall security and dignity of our whole community, Hadebe explained. I have asked our best detectives to pay attention to this investigation and send groups of extra specialized teams there.
The search to apprehend these dangerous criminals and the following punishment continues to be our absolute priority. These acts of crime show unparalleled brutality and cruelty, she added.
Limpopo provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. Hadebe observed that the criminals had no regard for human life and property or dignity; specializing in attacking defenceless women and children.
“We will not cease in this effort until these criminals are arrested and face the law,” said Hadebe. Community members with information regarding the suspects should get in touch with Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 89.
