Limpopo police have intensified their crackdown on organised crime, seizing dagga worth an estimated R1 million and arresting five suspects in two separate intelligence-driven operations over the weekend.
In the first breakthrough, members of Leboeng SAPS intercepted a suspected drug shipment along the R36 near Ga Moraba village on Saturday, February 21, at about 8:30am. Acting on intelligence, officers located a blue VW Polo Vivo parked along the roadside with two men, aged 22 and 44, inside.
A search of the vehicle uncovered seven tightly wrapped bags of dagga concealed in brown sellotape.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects were immediately arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.
He revealed that the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 117.45 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R1 million, and that the pair are expected to appear before the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 23.
In a separate operation, the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, working with Crime Prevention members, dismantled a suspected motor vehicle theft syndicate operating in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
Three men aged between 43 and 52 were arrested at different locations following coordinated intelligence-led investigations into a spate of vehicle thefts. The syndicate allegedly targeted older models of Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 vehicles, with more than seven theft cases reported.
Ledwaba confirmed that police carried out coordinated arrests at multiple locations. A 43-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Ga Mothapo. A 48-year-old shop owner was caught in Ga Molepo with a stolen Toyota Hilux in his possession. The alleged syndicate mastermind, aged 52, was apprehended in Ga Maja Kopermyn village, effectively crippling the vehicle theft ring.
Police recovered three stolen vehicles during the operation.
“The three stolen vehicles were successfully recovered. The 52-year-old suspect, who has reportedly been out on parole since December 2025, is believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate,” Ledwaba said.
The trio are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on February 23, as investigations continue.
The Star