Robberies in Limpopo| A total of 28 incidents reported in the past 10 days

A total of 28 robberies were reported by police in Limpopo in the past 10 days, with firearms being the common weapons used in the acts.

Reports released daily on crime by the provincial police communications unit show that most of the robberies were committed against businesses and households, and individuals whose cars were hijacked and then robbed of cash and other belongings.

In one of the incidents, a man was driving around the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane when a Toyota Fortuner blocked his way and was pointed with firearms.

Giving the details of the incident, police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said: “Some of the suspects drove with him to a lodge at Fauna Park in Polokwane where they instructed him to request money from his family members, resulting in his sister depositing an undisclosed amount of money.

“The suspects transferred the money to their cellphone. They also robbed him of his cellphone and wrist watch before fleeing the scene. He notified the receptionist about the incident and police were activated.”

In Lebowakgomo, a group of suspects broke down the doors of a shop at a fuel station, they proceeded to an office where the drop safe was installed and bombed it. They fled the scene in NP 300 vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash.

House robberies in which suspects break down doors to gain entry have also been reported in the province.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, earlier ordered a round-the-clock manhunt, saying: “We simply cannot allow our communities to be terrorized in their own backyards.”