Johannesburg – Two suspects have been arrested following the armed robbery of a courier delivery vehicle in the Giyani policing area in Limpopo, police said.
According to the South African Police Service, the robbery took place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, after a courier team completed a parcel delivery at Shimange Village at around 10:20am.
Police said the 39-year-old driver and his colleague were travelling in an Isuzu bakkie towards Giyani town when they were allegedly intercepted by a silver VW Polo without registration plates as they attempted to join the R81 road.
The vehicle was reportedly occupied by five armed men. Four of the suspects allegedly got out of the Polo, with two pointing firearms at the complainant and forcing him to stop the vehicle.
Police said two suspects then climbed into the courier vehicle, with one taking over the driver’s seat while the other occupied the passenger seat, forcing the victims to sit between them.
The suspects allegedly drove the victims to bushes near Basani Village while the VW Polo followed behind. Upon arrival, the complainant and his colleague were allegedly instructed to open the canopy of the bakkie before several parcels were offloaded and transferred into the Polo.
Among the stolen items were cellphones, medication, electrical appliances and other parcels valued at about R20 000.
The suspects then allegedly forced the victims into the loading compartment of the bakkie, locked them inside and fled the scene.
The victims managed to call for help and were assisted by a passerby who broke the padlock and freed them. The matter was later reported to police and the courier company.
Police said the Mopani Tracking Team was activated immediately and tracked the suspect vehicle to Mavele Village.
Shots allegedly fired
“Upon interception, three suspects reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, while two male suspects aged 35 and 36 were successfully arrested,” police said.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of items believed to have been stolen during the robbery.
Police also confiscated the VW Polo and recovered additional items during the operation. The Isuzu delivery vehicle was recovered at the scene.
No injuries were reported, although shots were allegedly fired during the robbery.
A case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened and the two suspects are expected to appear in the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in locating the remaining suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Gradwell Mike Shipalani on 078 603 9289, visit the nearest police station, use the MySAPSApp or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
