News / National
'Most wanted' Zimbabwean Fugitive Re-Arrested in South Africa
07 Jan 2025 at 04:43hrs | Views
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has re-arrested Lovemore Musoyi, a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national ranked among the most wanted suspects in Limpopo province.
Musoyi, who was on the run after escaping police custody, is facing over 10 criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm. His arrest follows a high-stakes operation by SAPS in collaboration with private security teams.
The Escape and Crimes
Musoyi had previously fled from police custody after attacking and disarming two police officers in Motetema. His escape added to a string of offences that spanned several districts in Limpopo, including Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton, and Rakgoadi.
According to SAPS, Musoyi's criminal activities included house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assault, stock theft, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Police Operation
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, commended the collaborative efforts of the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi Multidisciplinary Team, and private security companies.
In a statement, SAPS said:
"The notorious Zimbabwean national, Lovemore Musoyi, had been on the run after escaping police custody. Musoyi is facing more than 10 criminal cases. The relentless efforts of law enforcement and private security led to his capture in the mountains of Rakgoadi policing area last Friday."
During the arrest, police recovered an unlicensed firearm, adding to the charges against him.
Court Appearance
Musoyi is expected to appear before several magistrates' courts within the Sekhukhune district to answer for his crimes.
Cross-Border Criminal Concerns
Limpopo province, which borders Zimbabwe, has seen an increase in cross-border criminal activities. The arrest of Musoyi highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling such crimes and securing borders.
SAPS has reiterated its commitment to apprehending fugitives and ensuring public safety in the province.
Musoyi, who was on the run after escaping police custody, is facing over 10 criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm. His arrest follows a high-stakes operation by SAPS in collaboration with private security teams.
The Escape and Crimes
Musoyi had previously fled from police custody after attacking and disarming two police officers in Motetema. His escape added to a string of offences that spanned several districts in Limpopo, including Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton, and Rakgoadi.
According to SAPS, Musoyi's criminal activities included house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assault, stock theft, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Police Operation
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, commended the collaborative efforts of the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi Multidisciplinary Team, and private security companies.
"The notorious Zimbabwean national, Lovemore Musoyi, had been on the run after escaping police custody. Musoyi is facing more than 10 criminal cases. The relentless efforts of law enforcement and private security led to his capture in the mountains of Rakgoadi policing area last Friday."
During the arrest, police recovered an unlicensed firearm, adding to the charges against him.
Court Appearance
Musoyi is expected to appear before several magistrates' courts within the Sekhukhune district to answer for his crimes.
Cross-Border Criminal Concerns
Limpopo province, which borders Zimbabwe, has seen an increase in cross-border criminal activities. The arrest of Musoyi highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling such crimes and securing borders.
SAPS has reiterated its commitment to apprehending fugitives and ensuring public safety in the province.
Source - newsday
