The police in Limpopo have arrested three suspects in connection with a business robbery and possession of a suspected stolen TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) following swift response by law enforcement officers in the Malipsdrift policing area, under the Capricorn District.
On Sunday, 02 March 2025, at approximately 22:34, an off-duty police officer received a tip-off about a towing truck transporting a suspected stolen TLB along the Mathabatha to Lekgwareng Road. The machinery had reportedly been stolen during a business robbery at a farm in the Malipsdrift policing area.
Members of the Visible Policing Unit and Detectives on standby responded immediately and successfully intercepted the truck. Upon questioning, the driver and passenger failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the TLB, merely stating that they had been hired to transport it
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the TLB, valued at approximately R850,000, had indeed been stolen. The duo, aged 29 and 32, were arrested on the spot. The third suspect was later arrested with the assistance of the community within the Malipisdrift policing area.
The suspects, Puleng Hendrick Peta (29), Ronald Moratladi (31), were charged with business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. Whereas, Josias Chauke Modiba (26), was charged with business robbery. They appeared before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, 04 March 2025 and will reappear in court on 10 March 2025 for a formal bail application.
The SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift response of the police and the invaluable assistance from community members in providing crucial information that led to the arrests.
