What was initially believed to be a brazen hijacking of a bread delivery truck has taken a dramatic turn. Police have uncovered that the alleged victims were, in fact, the masterminds behind the staged crime.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng revealed that on April 3, the bakery truck crew was delivering bread to tuckshops in Sekgopo village when armed assailants ambushed them. The attackers fired a shot, forcing the driver to stop the vehicle, before robbing them at gunpoint.
“The suspects robbed them of their cellphones, money and took them to the bushes, where they were held hostage. They tampered with the safe, and an undisclosed amount of money was taken.”
He added that upon receiving the information, police in Modjadjiskloof responded, identifying the vehicle as it sped towards Titibe village in Ga-Dikgale. The suspects lost control and veered off the tarred road, where gunshots were fired.
“The suspects started firing shots at the police and ran into the bushes. SAPS members returned the fire, resulting in one of the suspects getting injured on his leg,” he added.
Thakeng further stated that during the arrests, authorities recovered two unlicensed firearms, cellphones, a grinder, a hammer, bags, and clothes. A third firearm was discovered at Titibe village on Friday, leading to the arrest of a second suspect.
After a thorough investigation, police revealed that the entire incident had been staged by the driver and his crew, with the assistance of three other accomplices. The so-called stolen items were later recovered from one of the suspects' homes.
“On 04 April, at around 10:00, police recovered the 'robbed' cellphones at the suspects’ homestead in the Bolobedu policing area. The items were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation,” Thakeng said.
He added that the suspects, aged 32 and 37, were arrested and are set to appear in court on Monday, where they will face charges of perjury, armed robbery, and carjacking.
Thakeng further said police are continuing with efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining three suspects involved in the staged robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident, emphasising that it diverted valuable police resources away from handling genuine cases.
"This deceitful act not only diverted critical police resources from genuine cases, but it also undermines the fight against crime in our communities. We will not tolerate such criminal behaviour, and those who manipulate the justice system for personal gain will face the full might of the law,” said Hadebe.
Police have appealed to the community to provide any information that could assist in the arrest of the remaining suspects. Information can be shared anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or via the MySAPSApp.
The Star