Limpopo police have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a brutal murder that occurred during a business robbery in Marapong. Six individuals, including a businessman from Gauteng, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The murder took place at approximately 1 a.m. on Monday, according to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the spokesperson for Limpopo provincial police. The victim, a 61-year-old man, was confronted by five assailants who had broken into a gas cylinder store. While the assailants were stealing the gas cylinders, the owner heard the commotion and went to investigate.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Legal Battle For The Zulu Throne: Misrepresentation And Flawed Processes
Upon discovering the intruders, the owner attempted to confront them. However, the assailants responded by strangling him. They then proceeded to load several gas cylinders into three motor vehicles before fleeing the scene.
Thanks to an intelligence-led operation involving members of the crime intelligence unit, task team, K-9 unit, detectives, and private security companies, the police were able to apprehend the suspects on the same day. The suspects, aged between 30 and 40, were driving in a convoy of two trucks and one towed SUV along the R33 road towards Vaalwater and Modimolle.
During the arrest, the police recovered a significant amount of stolen property. At least 70 nine-kilogram gas cylinders valued at over R24,000, as well as six 19-kilogram gas cylinders valued at over R3,000, were found. Additionally, the three vehicles used by the suspects were confiscated.
Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects is a businessman from Gauteng who also owns a gas cylinder store. This discovery adds an interesting twist to the case and raises questions about the motive behind the robbery and murder.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, has commended the swift reaction and excellent coordination displayed by the police officers involved in the operation. Their efforts led to the successful arrest of the suspected killers and the recovery of the stolen items.
