Polokwane: The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics Unit for their exceptional tactical approach and unwavering resilience following a dangerous operation conducted in Flora Park, Polokwane, on Friday night, 23 May 2025 at approximately 21:30, that resulted in the arrest of an alleged foreign national drug dealer despite coming under armed attack.
According to South African Police Service, acting on intelligence regarding drug dealing activities, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics team proceeded to a residence in Flora Park, on the outskirts of Polokwane. Upon arrival, officers located the alleged suspect and conducted a search, discovering illegal narcotics in his possession.
While effecting arrest, the team came under sudden attack from a group of fellow countrymen who opened fire on the police officers. The highly trained team immediately returned fire, resulting in an intense crossfire exchange between the suspects and police.
Despite the life-threatening situation, no police members sustained injuries during the shooting incident. The attacking suspects fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle, and it is suspected that one of the perpetrators may have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
The officers successfully maintained control of their original arrest, with the drug suspect also remaining uninjured throughout the ordeal.
Police recovered Cat (Methcathinone) with an estimated street value of R5,000 and Heroin with an estimated street value of R3,000.
The 30-year-old suspect will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025, facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been formally notified of the shooting incident, as per standard protocol.
Police have opened a case of attempted murder in connection with the attack on officers, and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects has been intensified.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed her pride in the team’s professional conduct under extreme circumstances: “Their ability to effect arrest while defending themselves demonstrates the highest standards of police professionalism.”
The Provincial Commissioner strongly condemned the attack on police officers, stating: “Such cowardly attacks on our members who are serving and protecting our communities will not be tolerated. We will pursue these perpetrators and ensure that they face the full might of law.”
Anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects involved in the attack is urgently requested to contact Sergeant Sechube Malatjie on 082 083 1983 or Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.