A brazen theft has landed well-known Limpopo businessman and his accomplices in hot water, as they appeared in Gilead Periodic Court on Monday.
This follows dramatic staged hijacking involving truck filled with R1.2 million worth of liquor.
Philip Mokgadi Maphepha, owner of liquor outlet, allegedly teamed up with truck driver Robert Ledwaba and accomplice Lesedi Isaac Khubayi for this audacious scheme.
The incident reportedly unfolded in October 2024, near the Groblersbridge border post, just outside Lephalale.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson for the Limpopo Police, the crew was allegedly coerced into disconnecting trailer from a truck and transferring it to another one before being left behind dense bushes in Mokopane.
Investigations revealed sinister plot the truck driver colluded with suspects to stage hijack, aiming to smuggle the liquor to a business along the N1 North near Polokwane.
The trio then abandoned the trailer in Sengatane, close to Seshego, before falsely reporting hijacking at Gilead police station.
In a twist, the suspects reportedly pocketed a hefty sum of R300,000 for their roles in the heist.
However, Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VICU) was hot on their trail and, on March 28, 2025, made the arrests, unveiling a web of deceit that shocked the community.
The court granted each accused bail set at R2,000, and the case is slated to resume on May 19, 2025, as further police investigations are underway.
Authorities have indicated more charges may be filed as investigations unfolds.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised VICU team for their diligent work in cracking the case, reaffirming commitment of law enforcement to tackle organised crime and ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the two trucks and trailer linked to this audacious caper have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
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