A months-long manhunt has ended with the arrest of a 42-year-old suspected crime kingpin, who allegedly orchestrated a violent taxi hijacking and several robberies across the Vhembe District.

Members of the Thohoyandou police and Tactical Response Team (TRT) arrested the suspect during a precision operation at Tshiulungoma village on Monday, November 4, following intensive intelligence gathering.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that began on October 2, when the suspect and three accomplices allegedly hijacked a Toyota Quantum taxi at Tswera Bridge.

During the incident, the perpetrators allegedly shot and wounded a neighbourhood watch member who attempted to intervene.

“The hijacked Toyota Quantum was later found abandoned at the Vhurivhuri-Golwe picnic campsite main entrance,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.

Two accomplices, aged 35 and 41, were subsequently arrested in Tshandama village in the Makuya policing precinct, but the alleged mastermind remained at large.

“The suspect is further positively linked with an attempted murder incident also committed in October 2024 at Makuya policing area, including a house robbery at Ha-Tshifura village under the Thohoyandou policing area,” said Mashaba.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Makuya Regional Court this week to face multiple charges, including hijacking, attempted murder, and robbery.

Police investigations are continuing.

IOL

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