Polokwane – The police in Limpopo have arrested a 50-year-old man believed to be the driver and owner of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie abandoned after a violent attack at a mine in Hlaneki village, Giyani.
The suspect faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of live ammunition.
The arrest follows a coordinated operation by the Mopani District Tracking Team and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The operation was launched after a brutal incident at Mineral Mine on Saturday, 25 April 2026, in which a group of armed suspects stormed the premises.
One security guard was fatally shot, another seriously injured, and mining equipment, including wheelbarrows and tools, was stolen.
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The attackers also loaded 31 bags of presumed gold-bearing crushed stones and soil onto the Hilux before fleeing.
Police later discovered the abandoned vehicle and traced it to the suspect’s residence in Homu 14C village.
During the arrest, the man handed over a firearm and seven rounds of live ammunition, but failed to produce a valid licence. He was immediately taken into custody.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the breakthrough, saying: “The suspect further handed over a firearm and seven live rounds of ammunition to the police.
“Meanwhile, he failed to produce a valid firearm licence and was immediately placed under arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police continue to pursue additional suspects linked to the murder, attempted murder, and robbery.
Brigadier Mashaba said that police operations were ongoing and urged community members to assist with information.
“Police are continuing with efforts to trace additional suspects linked to the incident,” the spokesperson said.
