Manhunt Launched After Armed Robbers Target Limpopo Stokvel Group for R30,000
Police in Limpopo have launched a massive manhunt for three armed suspects who robbed a local women’s stokvel group of approximately R30,000 in cash and several cellphones in Musiphana village, near Letsitele in Limpopo.
The targeted robbery occurred at around 08:00 on Saturday, while 16 women were gathered at a local homestead to distribute their hard-earned year-end contributions.
According to police reports, three unknown men entered the house, with one of the suspects concealing his identity behind a balaclava.
Two of the men produced pistols, pointing them at the vulnerable women and demanding the cash.
After seizing the main stokvel payout, the criminals proceeded to search the victims.
They robbed 11 of the women of additional personal cash collected from other stokvel initiatives, along with their mobile phones.
Before making their getaway, the suspects fired several random shots into the air, though thankfully no injuries were reported.
They fled the scene in an unregistered red sedan driven by an unidentified woman.
SAPS forensic teams and investigators processed the scene, recovering multiple spent cartridges. A case of business robbery has been formally opened.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, strongly condemned the brazen attack and issued a stern warning to community groups against keeping substantial cash reserves at private residences during the festive buildup.
“We urge community members to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures when handling money,” General Scheepers stated. “Stokvel groups should consider safer alternatives, such as banking their contributions, rather than keeping large sums of cash at homes, where they may become targets for criminals.”
He reassured the community that SAPS is intensifying operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police appeal to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to urgently contact the investigating officer, Constable Thabiso Makgamatha, on 076 023 1981.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App.
