Limpopo – Five men, including three Zimbabwean nationals, have been arrested in Limpopo after police foiled an alleged plot to commit business and house robberies in the Thohoyandou area.
According to the South African Police Service, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in the Vhembe District on Saturday, 17 May 2026.
Police said officers received information about a group of suspects travelling from Polokwane to Thohoyandou allegedly intending to carry out robberies in the policing precinct.
“The information was immediately operationalised and coordinated with the Tactical Response Team in the Vhembe District, resulting in a strategic plan to intercept the suspects before they could execute their intended crimes,” SAPS said.
Through observation, officers identified and stopped a gold Nissan Tiida sedan matching the description in the Thohoyandou Central Business District.
During a search of the vehicle, police discovered two unlicensed firearms and several rounds of live ammunition. Five male occupants were arrested at the scene.
The suspects include three Zimbabwean nationals aged 33, 39 and 40, as well as two South African nationals aged 30 and 36. Police believe one of the suspects owns the vehicle allegedly used in the planned crimes.
Additional items seized during the operation included handcuffs and a bolt cutter, which police suspect were intended to be used during the robberies. The vehicle was also confiscated as part of the investigation.
A case of unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been opened, while police said further charges could be added as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Thembi Hadebe commended officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and proactive efforts in protecting communities.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
