Three taxi operators arrested after they mistakenly confronted and threatened police officers in Limpopo, firearm recovered, sjambok and ammunition photos supplied
By Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba
Limpopo SAPS
Three taxi operators were arrested after they mistakenly confronted and threatened police officers during an anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team in the Musina policing area on Thursday, 08 January 2026.
Members of the Provincial Tracking Team were travelling in an unmarked vehicle on the N1 next to the Sasol garage in Musina when they were stopped by a white Toyota Corolla fitted with white strobe lights and bearing local taxi patrol stickers.
Believing the vehicle to be transporting hitchhikers between Musina and Makhado without their “permission”, the three occupants of the Corolla unlawfully confronted the SAPS members, pointed them with a firearm, threatened them with a sjambok, and attempted to exercise policing powers they do not possess.
Police officers immediately identified themselves and reacted tactically.
The suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended.
The suspects later conceded that they had mistaken the police vehicle for a civilian vehicle, highlighting the grave risks posed when individuals unlawfully take the law into their own hands.
The three suspects, aged between 32 and 49, were arrested for the following offences, committed in common purpose:Pointing of a firearm-Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, unlawful use of white strobe lights-National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, crimen injuria, reckless and negligent driving and intimidation.
During the arrest, police also seized a notebook containing vehicle registration numbers and recorded amounts of money allegedly extorted from motorists, indicating possible organised extortion activities.
Items seized include:
1 × 9mm pistol with 2 magazines and 33 live rounds of ammunition,1 × sjambok, 1 × white strobe light, 1 × notebook linked to alleged extortion. The motor vehicle was also confiscated.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 09 January 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, issued a stern warning:
“Mistakenly confronting police officers with firearms underscores how dangerous and unlawful these actions are.
No individual or group has the authority to stop vehicles, intimidate motorists, or enforce the law.
SAPS will continue to act decisively against anyone who endangers lives and undermines lawful policing.”
Major General Scheepers commended the Provincial Tracking Team for their professionalism and restraint under extremely dangerous circumstances.
Investigations continue.
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