Seven suspects nabbed in daring Limpopo ice cream factory robbery bust.
South Africa: In a swift intelligence-driven operation, Limpopo police apprehended seven suspects on Monday, mere hours after a brazen armed robbery at an ice cream factory in the Polokwane CBD on Monday, 03 November.
The arrest led to the recovery of four firearms, stolen goods, and the high-performance getaway car used in the crime .
The incident unfolded around 9am when a group of armed men stormed the factory, threatened employees, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, and other valuables.
Acting on a tip-off, a multidisciplinary police team tracked the suspects to a safe house in the Zorra section of Solomondale, near Mankweng .
Upon arrival, officers found the suspects allegedly celebrating and consuming alcohol . During the raid, one suspect opened fire on the police and managed to flee the scene.
Six male suspects, aged between 28 and 52 and all from Mamelodi in Gauteng, were arrested on the spot.
A 34-year-old woman, who owns the house, was also taken into custody for allegedly harbouring the suspects .
Police successfully recovered four firearms with live ammunition, the stolen goods, and a white Audi S3 that was used as the getaway vehicle.
Preliminary investigations suggest the syndicate may be linked to a series of other business robberies across Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga .
The arrested suspects face a litany of charges, including business robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and possession of stolen property .
They are scheduled to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday .
A manhunt has been launched for the suspect who escaped during the operation
