There has been some relief for the crime-ridden villages in the Niani area, following the arrest of two alleged armed robbers. The suspects are believed to be key figures in the car-hijacking and kidnapping syndicates operating in the Vhembe region.

The two suspects, 20-year-old Zimbabwean national Oda Nephawe and 39-year-old South African resident of Madimbo Edward Munyai Manocha, were apprehended on Friday, 6 September, at separate locations in Madimbo village.

The area has recently experienced a surge in criminal activity, with many hijacked vehicles being smuggled across the border to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where there is a ready market for them.

Local traditional leader Vhamusanda Vho Thiwelimulambo Rammbuda praised the police for the arrests and commended the farm and business forum for their tireless collaboration with the police in combating crime in the area. “This community-and-police partnership is now bearing fruit. We believe these arrests will ultimately lead to more apprehensions and help dismantle the crime syndicates operating here,” he said.

Mr Philemon Munyai, of the local business forum and the Farmers Against Crime initiative, was optimistic about the recent success. “We are very grateful as a community. This is a collective effort by the local business forum, farmers, and the police. We hope that, together, we will beat the scourge of crime,” he said.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in the area. “The suspects are linked to multiple cases, including robbery, carjacking, attempted murder, and kidnapping,” he said.

During the arrest, police recovered two firearms and 27 live rounds of ammunition.

The two suspects appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and the case was postponed to 11 September. They remain in custody.