A police constable has been nabbed together with four other tsotsis.
This came when Limpopo cops foiled an attempted business robbery in Leewfontein outside Groblersdal.
The successful arrest happened after a shootout between the tsotsis and the cops. A high-speed chase ensued and a suspect was fatally wounded.
The incident happened on Friday, 23 July at about 3pm.
The arrested constable is stationed at Mahwelereng Police Station in Mokopane.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has sent a stern warning to all other cops out there engaging in criminal activities that their days are numbered.
She further thanked the locals for assisting the police in the fight against crime.
“The arrest of one of our own should send a strong message that we do not have a place for criminals masquerading as police officers,” she said.
The police received a tip-off about the suspects travelling in two motor vehicles who intended to rob one of the businesses in Leewfontein.
Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela said a snap operation consisting of Tracking Team, Investigating Unit, Pretoria Airwing and Motetema Detectives was activated to track down the suspects.
“The armed suspects had already entered the business premises when the cops arrived, and they reportedly got into two vehicles and sped off into different directions when they realised the presence of the cops. A high-speed car chase ensued and the occupants of one of the vehicles that took the direction of Mapyane allegedly started shooting at police members who returned fire. The said vehicle came to a stop and two injured suspects were immediately arrested. One of them was identified as a police constable. The third suspect was found fatally wounded and one firearm was found in the vehicle,” said Mojapelo.
He added that the other vehicle, a Ford Ranger, was cornered near Groblersdal and two suspects were arrested and a firearm was also found inside the bakkie.
The suspects aged between 34 and 36 are expected to appear in the Motetema Magistrates Court for business robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving.
Police investigations are continuing.