A 25-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested in connection with a series of business robberies in the early hours of Wednesday in villages around Waterval.
Malwandla Wesley Maswanganyi appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Friday following his arrest for a robbery at Bungeni Basani village. He was apprehended after a police manhunt. He is expected to return to court on Wednesday, 25 March, for a formal bail application.
Police said at least four robberies were reported between 00:30 and 02:30 in Tonic, Basani Mtsetweni and Bungeni villages.
In all cases, suspects allegedly broke into spaza shops, threatened victims with firearms and knives, and stole cash, airtime vouchers and other items. Shots were fired in one incident, but no injuries were reported.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrest formed part of ongoing efforts to track down all those involved.
“Police investigations are continuing, and we are following up on leads to ensure that all suspects linked to these robberies are apprehended,” said Ledwaba.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised police and called on communities to assist.
“Our members will remain relentless in pursuit of these criminal elements. We call upon members of communities to work closely with our members so that these suspects can be traced and apprehended,” she said.
Police said more arrests were expected.