LIMPOPO – Authorities in Mahwelereng have apprehended two men suspected of committing an armed robbery in Zone 2 after posing as fake Community Policing Forum (CPF) members. The suspects, who targeted a pedestrian on the morning of Friday, 10 July 2026, were taken into custody following a brief foot chase and swift community intervention.
The incident unfolded at approximately 06:40 when a 35-year-old Zimbabwean national was walking toward town. The two men approached him, falsely identifying themselves as CPF officials, and requested to inspect his passport. The victim initially complied by handing over his mobile phone for their supposed verification.
After returning the device, the pair escalated their demands, insisting on obtaining the victim’s personal details. When the man refused and challenged their authority by stating they were not legitimate police officers, one of the suspects drew a firearm from his waistband. The weapon was aimed directly at the victim’s forehead as the assailants demanded both his phone and cash.
The victim surrendered his cellphone and R440.00 in cash. However, as the suspects attempted to conduct a further physical search, he seized the opportunity to break free and flee on foot. Local residents quickly mobilized to assist, helping to track down the fleeing duo in the immediate vicinity. Responding police officers arrived on the scene to effect the arrests. A subsequent search of the suspects yielded the stolen cellphone, a replica firearm, and a knife.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the two suspects are also connected to a separate residential house robbery that took place earlier in July 2026.
The arrested individuals, identified as 19-year-old Malose Austin Seopa and 28-year-old Mokgawa Phillip Rampya, made their first court appearance at the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026. They are formally charged with robbery with a firearm. The magistrate remanded both suspects in police custody, postponing the matter to Tuesday, 21 July 2026, to allow for a formal bail application and to conclude ongoing police investigations.