Suspect arrested after robbery at Elim Mall

A 40-year-old alleged robber, one of four who targeted the Total Sports store at the Elim Mall on Saturday, 13 January, saw his plans thwarted after he was caught by the police shortly afterwards with an unlicensed firearm and stolen property at Mahatlani village in Waterval. The robbery occurred at around 13:40.

According to the police, they were alerted to a business robbery that had occurred at one of the stores at Elim Mall where the suspects had made off with 16 pairs of shoes, 56 cellphones, and various other items such as school bags. Swift action by the Limpopo SAPS’s Provincial Visible Task Team, the Waterval Police, and a private security company led to the arrest of one of the suspects.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said they had spotted the suspects in a brown Renault sedan in Elim. A chase ensued, until they reached Mahatlani village, where the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Community members witnessing the unfolding events assisted the police in apprehending one of the suspects.

Mashaba stated that, during the process, however, the suspect was assaulted by the residents, which will be part of their investigation. The police managed to rescue the suspect, but the other suspects escaped. “Upon arrest, the suspect was found with some of the stolen goods and an unlicensed 9mm gun. He was taken to a local hospital for medical assistance under police guard,” said Mashaba.

The remaining suspects are still at large, and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Commander Captain Hlengani Mabunda on 082 565 7901, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or via the MySAPSapp.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court soon as he is not yet fit to stand in court after the assault by the residents.

According to one of the eyewitnesses, the suspects held the staff at Total Sports hostage. “Everyone was surprised when four men stormed into the store and instructed the staff to go to the storeroom while they were robbed. Thankfully, no one was hurt, including customers,” Limpopo Mirror was told.

Elim Mall’s manager, Ms Mpho Madadzhe, confirmed the incident. “The store was robbed for the first time since the mall opened. The stolen property is estimated at around R80,000. Besides this, we had a great festive season with only minor crimes. The biggest problem we are currently facing is shoplifting,” she said.

Date:18 January 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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