Limpopo police have arrested three taxi operators, aged between 32 and 49, after they mistakenly confronted police officers with a firearm and threatened them with a sjambok during an anti-smuggling operation in Musina.

The incident occurred on Thursday during an operation conducted by the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said members of the Tracking Team were travelling in an unmarked vehicle on the N1 near the Sasol garage in Musina when they were stopped by a white Toyota Corolla fitted with strobe lights and displaying local taxi patrol stickers.

“Believing the vehicle to be transporting hitchhikers between Musina and Makhado without their ‘permission’, the three occupants of the Corolla unlawfully confronted the SAPS members, pointed a firearm at them, threatened them with a sjambok, and attempted to exercise policing powers they do not possess,” Mashaba said.

The officers immediately identified themselves and responded tactically. 

“The suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended,” he added.

During questioning, the suspects admitted they had mistaken the police vehicle for a civilian car, highlighting the dangers of individuals taking the law into their own hands.

The three men, aged between 32 and 49, were arrested and face multiple charges, including pointing a firearm in contravention of the Firearms Control Act, unlawful use of strobe lights under the National Road Traffic Act, crimen injuria, reckless and negligent driving, and intimidation.

Mashaba said the police also seized a 9mm pistol with two magazines and 33 live rounds, a sjambok, a white strobe light, and a notebook containing vehicle registration numbers and recorded amounts allegedly extorted from motorists, suggesting possible organised extortion. 

The vehicle was also confiscated.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 9.

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, issued a stern warning.

“Mistakenly confronting police officers with firearms underscores how dangerous and unlawful these actions are,” he said. 

“No individual or group has the authority to stop vehicles, intimidate motorists, or enforce the law. SAPS will continue to act decisively against anyone who endangers lives and undermines lawful policing.”

Scheepers commended the Provincial Tracking Team for their professionalism and restraint under extremely dangerous circumstances. 

“Investigations are ongoing,” Mashaba added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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