Three Limpopo men released by court on warning after being arrested for theft
Three men arrested in connection with the theft of truck batteries and possession of suspected stolen property in Rooiberg, Limpopo, have been released on warning following their appearance in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court.
Police have identified the suspects as Manamela Khuto Alfred, 24, Mabiletsa Mpho Jan, 23 and Nkomo Ditshele Gideon, 29. The trio appeared in court on Monday and were released on warning. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 4 December 2025, the police said.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the three were arrested on Sunday, after an incident at around 6:30 am at a Chicken Project yard site office in the RDP section of Rooiberg, which falls under the Waterberg District.
“It is alleged that the complainant discovered that two truck batteries had been stolen from the premises,” Ledwaba said.
“The police were informed and swiftly responded to the scene.”
Members of the Rooiberg SAPS, working together with community members and Bavaria Security personnel, immediately launched a search for the suspects. They followed tracks leading from the project yard into nearby bushes, where the three suspects were eventually cornered.
“During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen wire cables, believed to have been taken from the same project yard,” Ledwaba said.
A further police investigation led officers to one of the suspects’ homes, where the two stolen truck batteries were recovered.
The three men were taken into custody and charged with theft from a motor vehicle and possession of suspected stolen property.
“The suspects were immediately apprehended and charged,” Ledwaba confirmed. “Police investigations are still continuing.”
The arrests highlight ongoing community cooperation with police in tackling property-related crimes in rural areas such as Rooiberg, where theft from motor vehicles and illegal trade in stolen goods remain persistent challenges.
Police have urged community members to continue reporting suspicious activity to assist in preventing similar incidents.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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